At Messy Farm, pears are one of those fruits that reward a gentle hand and a bit of patience. Preserved using the Fowler’s method, these pear quarters keep their natural texture and flavour, with just enough sweetness from sugar, a soft aromatic note from vanilla, and a touch of brightness from citric acid.
They’re simple, elegant and incredibly versatile — perfect for desserts, cheese boards, grain bowls, or eaten straight from the jar when no one’s looking.
Messy Preserved Pears – Fowler’s Method
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
- 4-5 medium pears peeled and quartered
- 1 vanilla bean
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp citric acid
- Water
- Lemon juice optional, to prevent browning
Prepare the Pears
Wash, peel, and quarter pears, removing cores.
Optional- soak in water with a splash of lemon juice to prevent
browning.
Pack the Jars
Arrange pear quarters in jars, leaving ~1 inch (2.5 cm) headspace.
Add sugar, citric acid, and a split vanilla bean.
Cover completely with water, leaving 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) space at the
top
Seal & Process
Wipe rims, seal jars finger-tight.
Place jars on a rack in a large pot with water covering jars by 1 inch.
Heat to 95°C for 45 mins to create a vacuum seal. Adjust heat to avoid
boiling.
Remove, cool on towels, and check seals. Unsealed jars should be
refrigerated and eaten within 2 weeks.
Tips & Variations
Add cinnamon sticks or cloves with vanilla for extra flavour.
Adjust sweetness: 2 tbsp sugar for delicate sweetness, 3–4 tbsp for
sweeter pears.
Use in desserts, grain bowls, salads, or enjoy on their own.
