Pineapple, pectin and preserves

     There is more than one way to preserve fruits and vegetables.  Canning is the first method to come to mind. I picked up a $1.99 pineapple at the grocery store, (because I can't wait for the garden produce!), added three cups of sugar, some water and ended up with twelve half-pint jars of pineapple preserves.  I didn't add pectin.  I don't need to.  There's plenty in the fruit itself.  

     I checked the discount grocer price of a 1/4 pint jar of pineapple preserves.  They want $2.99.  So, the math is....at grocery store value, my preserves would cost $96!  Preserving fruits and vegetables yourself, even if you are purchasing the raw materials at retail, are less expensive than the ready made finished product.  So, what's the difference between store bought and mine?  

     Labeling, Price, Color and chemical preservatives.  Mine have NO chemical or other added preservatives, the lower price of bulk buying, the color natural preserves should be instead of a hollywood version requiring food coloring and I label them with a sharpie.

         While I was stirring pineapple chunks in it's own syrup, I got to thinking about other methods of preserving fruits. I have a pineapple plant in a decorative container in the garden.  Last years' pineapple has long been picked and gone, but I noticed this year, there are two stalks coming out.  I have a total of three pineapple plants and expect at least four of my own pineapples to preserve.  

Fruit Leather Recipe, How to Make Fruit Leather | Simply Recipes

www.simplyrecipes.com

I came across a recipe for fruit leather and I am going to try that next. 

Don't forget the dehydrator!  Pineapple chips are like candy chips.

     Also, as a side note:  I started cooking the pineapple after work.  When I finished filling the jars, there was some syrup left over.  That syrup went straight to the fridge for pancakes I feel I should have this weekend.  

     What was left in the pot after I poured the plain syrup into a jar was some cooked down pineapple debris and syrup.  I put it into the pan with the pork chops for tonight's dinner.  (Don't judge me!)  It tasted like a glazed ham!

This article from The Examiner gives eight easy recipes and instructions for multiple preserving methods.
http://www.examiner.com/article/preserve-pineapple-at-home-by-drying-pickling-canning-or-freezing
Paste the address into your web browser and get a quick course in saving pineapple.