How to Can Fresh Pears

1. Sterilize jars and lids, either by running them through the dishwasher on "sterilize" setting, or by boiling in water for 10 minutes.

2. Wash, peel and cut pears. Add Fruit Fresh to cut pears to keep them from discoloring.

3. Fill water bath canner about halfway with water, and bring to a slow boil.

4. Make a syrup by combining 2 1/4 cups sugar with 5 1/4 cups water, bring to a boil and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

5. Add prepared pears to the syrup, simmering for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is completely heated through.

6. Add pears to jars, pouring the syrup over the top, so that there is a 1/2-inch space at the top.

7. Wipe rim and threads of jars to ensure a tight seal.

8. Place lids and bands on the jars, screwing the bands tight.

9. Use the jar grabber to carefully lower the jars into the boiling water in the bath canner.

10. Bring the water back to a boil, lower to a medium simmer, and cook for 20 minutes.

11. Remove jars from water with the jar grabber and set on a towel to cool.

12. Let cool for 12 to 24 hours. Test the lids by pushing on their tops. If the lids pop up and down, the pears are not preserved. If not, you have successfully canned your pears.