When pears start to ripen faster than you can eat them, it’s the perfect time to turn them into chutney. This pear chutney is a delicious way to use up a big batch of fruit. It’s sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy — a wonderful condiment to serve with cheese, cold cuts, grilled meat, or even a curry.
The best part? You can make a few jars at once and enjoy it for months to come.

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What Exactly Is Chutney?

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Which Pears Work Best?

You can use almost any kind of pear for chutney — Conference, Bartlett, or Comice are all great choices. They soften nicely while cooking without turning completely mushy.
If you prefer a deeper, caramel-like flavor, you can also use cooking pears. Just keep in mind that these need a longer cooking time to break down fully and absorb the flavors.

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Ingredients for Pear Chutney

Makes about 2 medium jars:

• 2.2 lbs (1 kg) pears
• 1 onion
• 1.8 oz (50 g) raisins
• 3.5 oz (100 g) sugar
• 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) white balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (or one finely chopped red chili for extra heat)

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How to Make It

3. Taste and adjust
Taste your chutney — if you prefer it a little saltier or spicier, add more seasoning now.

4. Jar and store
Spoon the hot chutney into sterilized jars, seal tightly, and let them cool. Store in a cool, dark place.

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Flavor Variations

One of the joys of making chutney is that you can easily tweak the flavors to suit your taste.
Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a lighter, fruitier note, or replace the white sugar with brown sugar or honey for a richer taste.
You can also add spices like ginger, mustard seeds, cinnamon, or star anise for a warm, aromatic twist — perfect for autumn.

Every small change adds its own character, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite version.

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How to Store or Can Pear Chutney

Properly sealed jars will keep for at least 6 months in a cool pantry.

You’ll find all the details in my post about Canning Jam and Jelly.

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Serving Suggestions

Pear chutney pairs beautifully with cheese boards — especially with aged cheddar, blue cheese, or creamy brie. It also complements roasted pork, chicken, or grilled vegetables.
Try spreading a spoonful on a sandwich with goat cheese and walnuts for a simple but elegant lunch idea.

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A Taste of Autumn in a Jar

Homemade pear chutney isn’t just delicious; it’s also a lovely gift idea. Fill a small jar, add a homemade label, and you’ve got the perfect seasonal present for friends or family.

If you love making preserves, there are plenty of other seasonal recipes worth trying.
My Apple Jam with Cranberries combines tart and sweet flavors beautifully — perfect for toast or soft cheese.
Or try Pears in Syrup, a simple way to preserve ripe pears with a delicate, golden sweetness.
And if you have grapes to spare, Homemade Grape Jam is another delicious way to capture the taste of late summer.

Together, they make a lovely collection of homemade preserves to enjoy all year round.

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Check out our other canning and preserving recipes

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