There’s something deeply spiritual about working with your hands to preserve the harvest. Whether it’s kneading dough, tending a garden, or canning fruit like pears — these simple, old-fashioned tasks remind us of God’s provision, His perfect timing, and the blessings that come from faithful stewardship. It can bring such peace when working with your hands.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Sometimes when it’s been a hard day at work, I would go down to the garden and just lose myself in the peace of picking produce and pulling weeds. When I noticed the kids getting restless, I’ll suggest baking something fun together. Pulling out the ingredients and measuring them out, each kid helping with something, it brings joy to us all and helps break up the restlessness.
As the pears ripen and the air cools, we’re invited into a slower rhythm — one that echoes the homestead life and honors the biblical principle of preparing in season. Canning pears isn’t just about saving food; it’s about living with intention, leaning into God’s goodness, and embracing the work He’s placed before us.
A Taste of the Harvest: Why We Can Pears
Pears are a sweet, gentle fruit — soft, but strong. It reminds me of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). When we care for our homes and families, even in small ways like preserving fruit, we’re cultivating patience, gentleness, and faithfulness. The fruit of the Spirit has become something we talk about many times throughout the week. I have found with young children it has been an easy way to always bring things back to the Bible and how God wants us to live. It also gives me great reminders as a mom to also keep the fruit of the Spirit at the for front of my mind.
And just like the harvest is seasonal, so are our lives. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Learning how to can might be new for you — but don’t worry. God doesn’t expect perfection, just a willing heart.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- Firm, ripe pears (Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou are ideal)
- Sugar, honey, or juice (for syrup)
- Water
- Lemon juice or ascorbic acid (to prevent browning)
Equipment:
- Water bath canner
- Sterilized jars (pints or quarts), lids, and bands
- Jar lifter, funnel, ladle, slotted spoon
- A good knife and cutting board
- A quiet heart and thankful hands
Step-by-Step: How to Can Pears
1. Prepare Your Jars and Lids
Wash and sterilize jars. Keep them hot until you’re ready to use them. Place lids in hot water, not boiling.
2. Make Your Syrup
For a Medium syrup, mix:
- 4 cups sugar with 4 cups water
You can substitute with honey or apple juice if you prefer a more natural sweetener — the way God made it. Optional: Add a cinnamon stick or a little vanilla for flavor.
3. Peel, Core & Slice the Pears
Cut the pears in half and remove the core. You can leave them halved or slice them. Soak in lemon water (1 tbsp lemon juice per quart of water) to keep them from browning — a small thing, but it makes a big difference. Just like in life, a little preparation now saves heartache later.
4. Simmer the Pears
Simmer the pears in your syrup for about 5 minutes. This helps them settle better in the jar and softens them just enough — like the refining process God uses in us.
This is an optional step, there are times that we skip this step. and place the pears in warm jars in pour the hot syrup over the pears.
5. Pack the Jars
Fill your jars with warm pears, then pour syrup over them, leaving ½ inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and wipe the rims clean.
6. Seal & Process
Place lids and screw on the bands fingertip-tight. Process in a boiling water bath:
- 20 minutes for pints
- 25 minutes for quarts
(Adjust for altitude if needed)
This part reminds me of James 1:4 — “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Sometimes the processing takes longer than we expect, but the result is worth it.
Let the Jars Rest
After processing, lift your jars out gently and let them sit undisturbed for 12–24 hours. You’ll hear that satisfying pop as the lids seal — a sound of success and simple joy. Label and store them in a cool, dark place. They’ll keep for a year or more — just in time for the next harvest season. This is the best part, being able to enjoy pears all year long and provide for my family.
My kids truly enjoy our canned pears and can’t wait to open up each jar and enjoy them. They might also enjoy the process of us canning them just as much. They are constantly coming up asking for more pear slices to eat, almost as fast as we can peel and cut them into slices. It brings me great joy to create these memories.
New to Canning? You’re in Good Company
If you’re new to canning, you’re not alone. Many of us are rediscovering these old paths — finding beauty and purpose in the rhythms of homestead life. And like anything new, it takes a bit of learning. But take heart: God equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17).
Don’t be discouraged if things aren’t perfect. Every jar is a testimony of your effort, your heart for your home, and your faith that God will provide — in this season and the next.
A Few Tips & Ideas
- Add a cinnamon stick, clove, or slice of ginger for a cozy, spiced flavor.
- Try honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetness.
- Use your pears in pies, crisps, yogurt bowls, or just enjoy them straight from the jar on a chilly morning.
Final Thoughts: God’s Goodness in a Jar
Canning pears is more than a homestead chore — it’s an act of gratitude. Each jar is a reminder that “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). In a world that often feels rushed and uncertain, this work anchors us. It teaches patience, care, and trust in God’s provision. Patience is something that I’m always working towards. Which is why I like the reminder of the fruit of the Spirit posted in our home as a good reminder.
So if you’re feeling weary or unsure about starting something new — like canning — remember that even the smallest acts of faithfulness matter. God sees them. He multiplies them. And He blesses the hands that do them.
Happy canning, and may your shelves (and heart) be full this season.
Have you felt God at work in your homestead journey?
I’d love to hear how canning, gardening, or simple living has brought you closer to Him. Share your thoughts or favorite canning tips in the comments!