Why And How To Make Pear Juice At Home

December 30, 2024 Master Canner

Got more pears than you know what to do with? Maybe they’re spoiling faster than you can eat them, or you just want to try something new. Either way, learning how to make pear juice at home is a fantastic solution!

This post will guide you through two methods: making pear juice with a juicer and without one.

Why make pear juice at home?

We’ll be the first to admin, buying pear juice from the store is convenient. However, store-bought juices often contain added sugars, preservatives, and a hefty price tag for something you can easily make at home. In contrast, homemade juice allows you to control what goes into it. Unsurprisingly, when you make pear juice at home, it tastes much fresher. Also, if you have access to inexpensive or homegrown pears, it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy this healthy and tasty drink. Oh, and did we mention that it also helps to reduce packaging waste?!

But why not take it a step further and can your homemade pear juice? You might be surprised at just how easy the process can be! Additionally, by canning your own juice, you’ll have it ready to enjoy whenever you want, without being dependent on store hours or delivery schedules. And let’s be honest—nothing beats the satisfaction of sipping on something you made yourself, all year long!

So, the next time you find yourself with a basket of pears, skip the pie (okay, maybe don’t skip the pie) and give homemade pear juice a try.

Nutritional benefits of Pears

Pears juice is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health.

A medium-sized pear provides the following nutrients:

Calories: 101
Protein: 1 gram (g)
Carbs: 27 g
Fiber: 6 g
Vitamin C: 9% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin K: 7% of DV
Potassium: 4% of the DV
Copper: 16% of DV

*Source: US Department of Agriculture via HealthLine

Pear with gold heart - Generated with AI

Here’s a deeper look at some of the health benefits that pear juice provides:

Vitamin C: It is a great source of Vitamin C, an essential nutrient that plays a key role in supporting a healthy immune system. Vitamin C helps to boost your body’s defenses, fight off infections, and promote the healing of wounds.

Potassium: This juice is naturally rich in potassium, a mineral that is crucial for maintaining proper heart and muscle function. Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve signals. It supports healthy kidney function and can help prevent muscle cramps, making it an excellent choice for post-workout hydration.

Antioxidants: Pears are a good source of antioxidants, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, and copper. Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties and help protect your cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. This helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Fiber: The high content of dietary fiber in pears and their effects on gut health set pears apart from other fruit. If you choose to keep the pulp or opt for a thicker juice, you’re boosting your fiber intake. Fiber is essential for digestive health, helping to regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and support a healthy gut microbiome.

*Sources: Medical News Today: Are pears good for you? Types, nutrition, calories, benefits, and more; HealthLine: 9 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Pears; PubMed: Reiland H, Slavin J. Systematic Review of Pears and Health. Nutr Today. 2015 Nov;50(6):301-305.

Pear juice for your baby

Pear juice and pear puree are popular baby foods, and for good reason. Pears are packed with essential nutrients that are perfect for baby’s growth and development. Thanks to its natural sorbitol content, pear juice can also help relieve constipation in babies. Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, acts as a mild laxative. Additionally, pears are high in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion.

If you want to make pear juice for your baby, try our recipe that doesn’t require a juicer. This method involves adding water, which dilutes the juice and makes it easier for your baby to digest.

On the other hand, if you follow our per juice recipe that requires you to use a juicer, you won’t need to add any water. This recipe results in a more concentrated juice, which may be too strong for a baby’s sensitive stomach. If you do decide to give this pear juice to your baby, be sure to dilute it with water, using a 1:1 ratio.

Lastly, irrespective of the method you use to make juice from pears, always consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods to your baby. This ensures that what you choose is safe and suitable for your baby’s needs.

*Sources: The Pediatric Dietitian: How to Use Pears in Baby-Led Weaning; Jovanovic-Malinovska, R., Kuzmanova, S., & Winkelhausen, E. (2014). Oligosaccharide Profile in Fruits and Vegetables as Sources of Prebiotics and Functional Foods. International Journal of Food Properties, 17(5), 949–965; Reiland H, Slavin J. Systematic Review of Pears and Health. Nutr Today. 2015 Nov;50(6):301-305

Pears to use in the recipe

For pear juice, the best pears to use are those that are sweet, juicy, and have a smooth texture when blended. Here are a few good options:

Bartlett Pears – These are one of the most popular choices for pear juice because they are sweet, juicy, and have a smooth texture that makes for a delicious, drinkable juice. They also provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
Bosc Pears – These pears have a firmer texture and a more complex flavor. They work well in juice if you want a slightly richer, more intense taste. They also add a bit of depth to the flavor.
Anjou Pears – These pears are juicy and sweet with a mellow flavor, making them another great option for pear juice. Their smooth texture ensures the juice will have a pleasant mouthfeel.
Comice Pears – If you’re looking for extra sweetness, Comice pears are an excellent choice. They’re juicy and tender, creating a very smooth and sweet juice.

In general, look for pears that are ripe, as they will be juicier and easier to work with. Avoid under-ripe pears, as they can be too firm and not produce as much juice. Mixing a few different varieties can also add complexity to the flavor of your juice!

Filtered vs. Unfiltered Pear Juice

The main difference between filtered and unfiltered pear juice is whether it contains pulp and sediment.

To test this, we filtered our pear juice using cheesecloth and an unbleached coffee filter. First, we found that the coffee filter did a much better job of removing solids, pulp, and sediment than the cheesecloth. Unfortunately, it also took a long time! On a positive note, the juice was clear with very few visible particles. Filtering also made the juice taste smoother and lighter, with a cleaner, more consistent flavor.

On the other hand, our unfiltered pear juice kept both the pulp and sediment, with little processing. This made the juice cloudy because of the suspended particles, giving it a more rustic look. The thicker texture, due to the pulp, made it feel heavier and less pleasant in the mouth.

So, what’s the takeaway? Taking the extra time to filter your juice will definitely improve its taste. Plus, filtering before cooking helps remove most impurities.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Juice Too Thick

Homemade pear juice can turn out thick for a few reasons:

Type of Pears Used: Some varieties of pears, like Bartlett or Bosc, have a higher pectin content, which can lead to a thicker juice. The more fibrous or dense the pears, the thicker the juice will be.
Blending or Juicing Method: If you’re blending the pears instead of juicing them, you’re likely including more pulp, which results in thicker juice. Similarly, using a slower juicer (like a masticating juicer) can extract juice along with more fiber.
Concentration: If you reduced the juice by simmering to concentrate the flavors, it can naturally become thicker.

To fix the problem you can choose one of these solutions:

Add Water or Liquid: The easiest way to thin out thick juice is by adding water or another liquid (like apple juice or even lemon juice) to achieve the desired consistency.
Strain the Juice: If you want to remove some or all of the pulp, you can strain the juice through a cheesecloth to reduce the thickness.
Use a Juicer Instead of a Blender: If you’re currently using a blender, switching to a juicer can help separate the juice from the pulp, resulting in a smoother consistency.

Juice Too Sweet

Some pear varieties, like Anjou or Bartlett, are naturally sweeter than others. If you’re not diluting the juice with water, it may taste excessively sweet.

To fix the problem you can choose one of these solution:

Dilute the Juice: Add water to balance out the sweetness. This will help reduce the sugar intensity.
Add Acid: A splash of lemon or lime juice can cut through the sweetness and add a refreshing tartness to balance the flavor.

Juice Oxidizing Quickly

Pear juice, like many fruits, can turn brown when exposed to air. This is caused by the oxidation of the polyphenols in the fruit.

To fix the problem you can:

Add Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is high in citric acid, which helps slow down oxidation. Adding a small amount of lemon juice to the pear juice can help prevent it from browning.

Pear Juice Preparation with Juicer

fresh, ripe pears sitting in a basket — pears we used to make this recipe

pears chopped into chunks placed in a bowl, waiting to be juiced — pears we used to make this recipe

How to make pear juice with a juicer?

Learning how to make pear juice at home is simple and rewarding. Whether you’re using a juicer or not, this homemade pear juice recipe is perfect for making the most of your pear harvest. With a proper canning technique this pear juice can be preserved to last up to 18months!

Yield: 1 16 oz (500 ml) Mason Jar. The final yield may vary based on the juiciness of the pears used.

Equipment

juicer

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Ingredients

5 lb. pears =2.5 kg

Instructions

Preparing the ingredients for making pear juice:

Thoroughly wash the pears to remove any dirt or residue. Do not peel the pears. It is best to leave the skins on.
Remove the cores from the pears.
Slice the pears into smaller pieces for easier processing in the juicer.
If your pears have blemishes and bruising, you can still use them for juicing, but make sure to cut them out

Juicing pears and canning homemade pear juice:

Use a reliable juicer to extract the juice from the trimmed and cleaned pear pieces.
Catch extracted pear juice into a large metal or glass bowl
To strain your juice, use a fine metal mesh strainer. Carefully pour the freshly squeezed pear juice through the strainer. It will catch the pulp, leaving you with a smoother liquid in the container below.
To achieve a pulp free juice, strain the remaining juice through a cheese cloth.
Pour the strained pear juice into a large pot. Cover it with a lid and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer, allowing the juice to simmer for 15 minutes while keeping the lid on. This step sterilizes the juice and makes it suitable for canning.
Check on the simmering juice after 5 minutes of cooking and remove any foam and impurities. Your homemade pear juice is now ready.
If you plan to can this juice, make sure your canning jars are sterilized and ready. You’ll need to pour the hot juice immediately into the jars.
Process the juice using an atmospheric steam canner or boiling water bath canner. Your homemade pear juice is now ready to go into your panty.

Learn how to prepare mason jars and lids for canning

Preserve Type Juice

Keyword homemade pear juice | how to make pear juice | pear juice recipe

Pear Juice Preparation without Juicer

cook pears in water — add enough water to cover the pears

How to make pear juice without a juicer?

Yield: 1 16 oz. (500 ml) Mason jar. The final yield may vary based on the juiciness of the pears used.

Equipment

blender or food mill

Discover exclusive offers on kitchen tools and products on Amazon

Ingredients

5 lb. pears =2.5 kg
2 cups of water

Instructions

Preparing the ingredients for making pear juice:

Thoroughly wash the pears to remove any dirt or residue.
Peel pears if you prefer a smoother juice (optional).
Core the pears and chop them into chunks.
Remove the cores from the pears.
If your pears have blemishes and bruising, you can still use them for juicing, but make sure to cut them out

Cooking the pears and canning homemade pear juice::

Place the pear chunks in a large stockpot and water.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pears are soft.
Allow the cooked pears to cool slightly. Blend them into a smooth puree using a blender or food mill.
To strain your juice, use a fine metal mesh strainer. Carefully pour the pear puree through the strainer. It will catch the pulp, leaving you with a smoother liquid in the container below.
Your homemade pear juice is now ready.
If you plan to can this juice, make sure your canning jars are sterilized and ready.
Pour the strained juice into the canning jars.
Process the juice using an atmospheric steam canner or boiling water bath canner. Your homemade pear juice is now ready to go into your panty.

Learn how to prepare mason jars and lids for canning

Preserve Type Juice

Keyword homemade pear juice | how to make pear juice | how to make pear juice without a juicer | pear juice recipe

Canning tools we use: If you are in the market for a reliable atmospheric steam canner, consider VKP brands made canners.

Want to learn more? Read our steam canners review.

Any food looks good in WECK Jars! Learn more and try them today.

We can’t wait to learn how this preserve recipe worked out for you. Leave us a comment below, like us on X, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Blue Sky. And remember, sharing is caring!

Frequently asked questions

Does pear juice help with hangover?

You might have heard that pear juice is a miracle cure for hangovers, but that sounds more like an urban myth than a fact. While pear juice may not completely erase the effects of a hangover, it can certainly help! Pears are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration-boosting properties that support your body as it recovers. The juice’s natural sugars help stabilize your blood sugar levels, and its hydration can fight dehydration, which is a common hangover culprit. So, it’s a refreshing option to include in your post-party recovery routine!

For the best results, make sure to drink plenty of water, get some rest, and perhaps enjoy a hearty breakfast alongside your pear juice

How long does homemade pear juice last?

Homemade canned pear juice can last for about 12 to 18 months if stored properly in a cool, dark place. The key is ensuring the jars are sealed properly and the juice is processed correctly to avoid spoilage. Once opened, homemade canned pear juice should be consumed within 7-10 days if kept in the refrigerator. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or mold, before consuming.

If you’re not canning the juice, it will stay fresh in your fridge for up to 10 days, thanks to the pasteurization steps in both recipes.

Can I use overripe pears to make pear juice?

Yes! Overripe pears are sweeter and make excellent juice. They’re our go-to choice for using up pears that might otherwise end up in the trash. Just be sure to cut away any spoiled spots before juicing.

Don’t I have to add sugar to make pear juice?

Not necessarily! Pears are naturally sweet, so adding sugar is optional. If you’re wondering about using sugar as a preservative, pears are considered a high-acid food, meaning they can be preserved just fine without extra sugar.

Is adding lemon juice necessary to preserve pear juice?

Not always! Lemon juice can help boost acidity and keep pear juice fresh longer, but it’s not required. Pear juice is naturally high in acid, so it doesn’t need extra acid for canning. We suggest adding lemon juice to keep the pear juice its light color. However, if you’re okay with the juice turning brown, feel free to skip it.

What can I do with leftover pulp?

There are so many options! You can turn it into jam, pie filling, or even add it to baked goods. The possibilities are endless!

Stay tuned— we’ll be sharing a pear jam recipe made with leftover pulp soon.

How to use pear juice:

Pear juice is versatile and can be used in various ways! Here are a few ideas:

Drink it straight: Refreshing and sweet, pear juice is perfect on its own. Serve it at room temperature or chilled over ice for a refreshing beverage.
Mix in cocktails: Pear juice adds a unique sweetness to cocktails. Try it with gin, vodka, or rum for a fruity twist on your drinks.
Make mocktails: Pear juice can be used in a variety of mocktails. These are some of our favorites – pear fizz, spiced pear cooler, pear mojito mocktail, pear and ginger mocktail, fruity pear punch
In smoothies: Use pear juice as a base for smoothies. It pairs well with fruits like berries, bananas, and peaches, adding a natural sweetness.
Cooking and baking: Pear juice can be used in marinades or sauces for meats like pork or chicken, giving a subtle sweetness. You can also replace liquids like water or milk in some cake recipes for a fruity flavor.
Jelly or jam: Pear juice can be used as the base for homemade jelly or jam. Add pectin and sugar, and you’ve got a sweet spread!
In oatmeal or granola: Pour pear juice over your morning oatmeal or mix it into granola for a naturally sweet flavor.
In ice pops: Freeze pear juice in molds for refreshing ice pops or to add to iced tea or water for a hint of pear flavor.