Canned Pears Turn Pink
Posted on by Karen Blakeslee
Pink, red, blue or light purple discoloration sometimes occurs in home canned apples, cauliflower, pears, peaches or beets.
Keep all produce cool after harvest. When using the hot pack method, do not overcook or heat to too high a temperatures. Excessive heat changes natural food pigments. Use correct processing methods and time to reduce discoloration.
If the fruit grew in dry weather, it often turns pink and cannot be prevented.
While the color doesn’t look right, the pears are safe to eat.
About Karen Blakeslee
The Rapid Response Center was formed in 1995 as a resource for Kansas State University Research & Extension Agents. Resource topics included Food Science, Human Nutrition, Food Service, Textiles, Home Care and other consumer topics. Since that time, the Center has grown to be of valuable assistance to Kansas State University Extension Specialists in those areas.
