A Complete Guide to Making and Enjoying Asian Pear Butter

Asian pears, known for their crisp texture and sweet flavor, make a delightful fruit that can easily be turned into a delicious butter. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of canning and using Asian pear butter. With these instructions, you can savor this unique spread throughout the year.

Asian pear butter is not only tasty but also incredibly versatile. You can use it in a variety of recipes, spread it on warm toast, or even mix it into savory dishes. Let’s explore how to create this delightful treat step by step!

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather the following ingredients and tools:

• Ingredients:

- 6 cups Asian pear pulp (about 6 pounds)

- 1/2 cup of brown sugar

- 1/4 cup of lemon juice

  - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 

- 1/4 teaspoon lemon peel

 - 1/8 teaspoon cardamom  

- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

- 1 star anise

- 1/8 teaspoon salt

• Tools:

- A large pot 

 - A splatter screen

- A sturdy blender or food processor

- Canning jars with lids

- A ladle

- A canning funnel

- A water bath canner for processing

Ensure that all your tools and ingredients are clean and ready to use!

Preparing the Pears

Begin by washing the Asian pears thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. A clean fruit is essential for a great final product.

Next, peel the pears and remove the cores. Cut them into quarters to simplify the cooking process. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they’ll break down into a smooth butter. Adding a little water at the bottom of the pot will keep it from burning until it releases some of its own juices.

Once the pears are softened, blend them until they are smooth.

Cooking the butter

In a large pot, combine the ingredients.

Cook the mixture over medium heat, simmering until it is thick. It is a good idea to use a splatter screen.

Remove the anise star before jarring it up.

Canning the Pear Butter

Your pear butter is now ready for canning! Follow these steps to preserve your butter:

1. Prepare your jars: Clean and heat the canning jars in the dishwasher.

   

2. Fill the jars: Using a ladle and canning funnel, fill each jar with pear butter, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. This space is essential to allow for expansion during processing.

   
   

3. Seal the jars: Wipe the rim of each jar with a clean cloth to remove any residue. Place the lids on and screw on the bands until they are finger tip tight.

   (For quality, American made Superb canning lids and jars follow this link and use the coupon code WP20 to get 20% off your purchase.) 

   
   

4. Process the jars: Arrange the jars in a water bath canner submerged by 1-2 inches of water. Process for 15 minutes at sea level.  If you need to know how altitude affects the amount of time you process your jars at check out my canning basics video/post. 

   

5. Cool and store: After processing, carefully lift the jars out and let them cool on a  heat resistant surface about 1-2 inches apart.  Store the sealed jars in a cool, dry, dark location.

   

Creative Ways to Use Asian Pear Butter

With your delectable Asian pear butter canned, it's time to get creative! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Spread on Toast: The simplest and most classic use is to spread pear butter on warm toast or bagels. Its sweet and fruity flavor is perfect for breakfast.

  
  

• In Baking: Use Asian pear butter as a substitute for oil or butter in baking. For example, substituting pear butter in muffins can reduce added fats by about 25% while enhancing flavor.

  
  

• Savory Dishes: Try incorporating pear butter into savory dishes. For instance, mix it into glazes for roasted meats or spoon it onto a cheese board to provide flavor contrast.

  
  

• Pair with Cheese: Serve it alongside a variety of cheeses for a delightful appetizer. The sweetness of the pear butter pairs wonderfully with sharp cheeses such as cheddar or blue cheese.

  

Storing Your Pear Butter

If you follow the canning process correctly, your Asian pear butter can last for up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and consume it within 2-3 weeks for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making and canning Asian pear butter is not only satisfactory but also allows you to savor the unique flavors of the fruit long after the season ends. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious spread that enhances your meals and snacks.