If you have plenty of fresh pears or desire to enjoy them for a long time, learning how to preserve pears can prolong their shelf life. There are various preservation techniques that allow you to enjoy your pear’s delectable taste and nutritional advantages year-round. Interested? Here are some ideas on how to preserve your fresh pears for your long-term enjoyment.

How to Preserve Pears – 5 Proven Methods

The following methods show you how to preserve pear and enjoy its tantalizing goodness long after the harvest season.

1. Freezing

Freezing is a convenient and one of the common ways to preserve pear for a long time. To ensure optimal results, start with ripe, washed, and dried fruits. Peel, core, and slice the pears. Brush the slices with a water-ascorbic acid or lemon juice and water mixture to prevent browning. Boil a mixture of 2 cups sugar and 3 cups cold water. Briefly blanch the pear slices in the boiling syrup, then drain and cool. Pack the slices into freezer-safe bags, remove excess air, and freeze for six or more months. You can also arrange the pear slices in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze them until solid. Transfer the frozen slices to freezer-safe bags for long-term storage.

Using your fridge is also a good option. However, it is crucial to know how to store pear in the fridge properly especially if you want to prolong its shelf life. After harvesting, you can store fresh pears in the refrigerator or a cold storage area such as a cellar to allow them to continue ripening. Place the whole pears in a perforated plastic bag or a paper bag and keep them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Refrigeration slows down the ripening process, maintains the quality of the pears, and extends their freshness for a couple of weeks.

2. How To Preserve Pears – Dehydrating 

Dehydrating pears removes moisture, resulting in a concentrated and chewy fruit. Before drying, remove the core and slice your pear into thin even slices. Pre-treat with lemon juice and water to prevent browning and drain the moisture after treatment. 

Use a food dehydrator or low-temperature oven to dry your sliced pears and arrange the slices on dehydrator trays with space between them for airflow. Dry at 57°C or until leathery (10-24 hours) and store them in airtight containers. This is one of the best ways to store your pears for months. Enjoy your dried pears as a healthy snack or used in granola, trail mixes, or baked goods.

3. Canning

Canning is the best way to preserve pears, especially if you don’t want to freeze your pear. You can store pears on a shelf without refrigeration for weeks. However, make sure to sterilize the jars you are using. You can do this by heating them in a 200°F oven for 10 minutes or by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.

Remove the core, and slice your pear. To prevent browning, dip the pears in a solution of lemon juice. Then, cook up a sugar syrup to pour on your wedges before canning. Combine vinegar, sugar, spices, and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and pour the hot liquid over your sliced pears. Allow the jars to cool, then refrigerate or process them in a water bath for longer shelf life (up to a year). Enjoy your canned pears as a side dish, added to salads, or served with cheese.

4. Storing in a Dark Room 

Many of us may not like the dark, but when it comes to fruits, they benefit from being stored in a dark environment for longevity. According to a study, storing pears in shades or dark places helps prevent them from ripening too quickly. 

Preserving your fresh pear with this method involves storing them correctly to maintain their freshness. Keep them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated spot to prevent spoilage. Good ventilation helps to avoid moisture buildup, which can cause spoilage. However, keeping them where sunlight can reach, can induce colour change or spoilage. 

5. Using Fruit Preservatives

Preserving pear using food preservatives can help prevent spoilage, keeping them fresh for weeks. Food preservatives include natural options like lemon juice or citric acid, and chemical preservatives like potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate.

These preservatives work by halting the growth of microorganisms responsible for fruit spoilage. With chemicals, it is important to carefully follow the instructions to add the correct amount and ensure the fruit remains safe to eat. By using fruit preservatives, you can store pears for a longer time while maintaining their quality.

Conclusion on How to Preserve Pears

Preserving your fresh pear, through canning, freezing, refrigerating, or dehydrating, is a practical way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of fruits even when they are out of season. Compared to processed or packaged foods, preserved fruits retain more of their nutrients, making them a healthier choice. 

If you are ready to try out the best ways to store pear, check out Fruit Garden. We offer fresh picks as well as dried fruits so you don’t have to worry about dehydrating. We also deliver to any location nationwide. You can also connect with us on Instagram to start a healthy mouthwatering journey!