In anticipation of imminent hibernation, you’re stocking your pantry with essentials.

Pear Tree Preserves deserves a spot on your shelf.

Jar star Susie Kirkwood grew up eating fresh preserves shipped from her grandma’s Massachusetts farm. Today the graphic designer spends her spare time scooping produce from Midwest farmers and turning it into spreadable magic.

Her secret: Low amounts of sugar let the natural sweetness of the fruit shine. Strawberry citrus and red raspberry taste distinctly of summer; blueberry clove and blackberry vanilla honey introduce spices resonant of early fall.

New batches are made every week — plans for black raspberry are in the works — but Kirkwood cans only seasonally, so act now or you’ll miss out.

And be left in a jam.

Available at Green Grocer Chicago, 1402 West Grand Avenue, at Noble Street (312-624-9508 or greengrocerchicago.com); at peartreepreserves.com, $9.

Photo: Courtesy of Pear Tree Preserves