Michigan State University Extension
Preserving Food Safely - 01600773
10/13/97
QUANTITY: An average of 17-1/2 pounds is needed per canner load of 7 quarts; an average of 11 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints. A bushel weighs 50 pounds and yields 16 to 25 quarts--an average of 2-1/2 pounds per quart.
QUALITY: Choose ripe, mature fruit of ideal quality for eating fresh or cooking.
PROCEDURE: Wash and peel pears. Cut lengthwise in halves and remove core. A melon baller or metal measuring spoon is suitable for coring pears. To prevent discoloration, keep pears in an ascorbic acid solution ( use one teaspoon of powdered ascorbic acid per gallon of cold water). Prepare a very light, light, or medium syrup (see directions below for syrup), or pack pears in apple juice, white grape juice, or water. Raw packs make poor quality pears. Boil drained pears 5 minutes in syrup, juice, or water. Fill hot jars with hot fruit and cooking liquid, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Adjust lids and process.
SYRUP
Syrup Approx. Cups Cups Cups Cups Type % Sugar Water Sugar Water Sugar
Very 10 6-1/2 3/4 10-1/2 1-1/4 Light
Light 20 5-3/4 1-1/2 9 2-1/4
Medium 30 5-1/4 2-1/4 8-1/4 3-3/4
*This amount is also adequate for a 4 quart load.
PROCEDURE: Heat water and sugar together. Bring to a boil and pour over raw fruits in jars. For hot packs, bring water and sugar to boil, add fruit, reheat to boil, and fill into jars immediately.
RECOMMENDED PROCESS TIMES FOR PEARS, HALVED IN A BOILING-WATER CANNER
Process Times at Altitudes of Style of Jar 0- 1001- 3001- over Pack Size 1000 ft. 3000 ft. 6000 ft. 6000 ft.
Hot Pints 20 min. 25 min. 30 min. 35 min. Hot Quarts 25 30 35 40
RECOMMENDED PROCESS TIMES FOR PEARS, HALVED IN A WEIGHTED-GAUGE PRESSURE CANNER
Canner Pressure (PSI) at Altitudes of Style of Jar Process 0- Above Pack Size Time 1000 ft. 1000 ft.
Hot Pints 10 min. 5 lb. 10 lb. Hot Quarts 10 5 10
RECOMMENDED PROCESS TIMES FOR PEARS, HALVED IN A DIAL-GAUGE PRESSURE CANNER
Canner Pressure (PSI) at Altitudes of Style of Jar Process 0- 2001- 4001- 6001- Pack Size Time 2000 ft. 4000 ft. 6000 ft. 8000 ft.
Hot Pints 10 min. 6 lb. 7 lb. 8 lb. 9 lb.
Hot Quarts 10 6 7 8 9