Lemon Ginger Pear Preserves

Make about 6 1/2 pint jars

• 4 pounds – about 8 green, mostly unripe Barlette Pears (or a mix of ripe and unripe)
• 4 lemons, zested and juiced (approx 2/3 cup juice)
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup candied or crystallized ginger root, coursely chopped

1. Prepare lemons first, before the pears – you’ll want to pour the lemon juice over the pears as soon as possible after you chop them, to prevent oxidation. Zest the lemons, and set aside the lemon zest, then squeeze juice from lemons.
2. Wash and quarter the pears, then chop up to 1/2 inch pieces.
3. Combine the pears, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a heavy-bottomed pan, then add sugar and chopped ginger. Stir together and bring to a low boil.
4. Cook the mixture until you reach your desired thickness. I cooked mine for a while because I wanted a nice, thick jam – about 1 hour.
5. Once you’ve reached your desired thickness, spoon into prepared jars and and either store jars in the refrigerator, or process using a boiling water bath (see instructions for preserving jams).

You will love this preserve! It is my favorite so far this season!