John Myers
Signal yellow and aromatic: quinces are popular in this country, especially as a sweet jelly. But this versatile pome fruit can do even more and is also convincing in savory dishes. In our product information, you will find out everything you need to know about the unmistakable rose plant.
Worth knowing about quinces
Its shape already suggests it: The quince, which comes from Central Asia, is closely related to apples and pears. In contrast to these, however, it should never be eaten raw. In this form, the pulp is acidic, hard, and woody.
When cooked soft, however, the fruit convinces with a pronounced sweet and sour aroma that is reminiscent of lemons – and has always been appreciated as jam. However, the popularity of quince as a spread is also due to its high pectin content. In theory, you don’t need any preserving sugar to preserve the fruit.
Today there are over 200 quince varieties worldwide. The most important are the apple quince and pear quince. The former tastes tart and has more aroma, the latter has a softer flesh that is better suited as a topping.
Purchasing and storage
The quince blossom extends from May to June. From September to October is the quince harvest time. In these months you will find the fresh fruit of the quince tree in stores. You can recognize ripe fruit for your quince recipes during the quince season by an evenly yellow, smooth skin and a strong scent.
At home, it is best to store the fruit in a cool, airy place. It will keep like this for up to two months.
Kitchen tips for quinces
Since the quince is inedible raw, you should prepare it properly before enjoying it. Peeling isn’t necessary, but thoroughly rub off the fine white fuzz on the fruit. Then remove the base of the blossom and stalk and cook the fruit for about 30 minutes. By the way: A brown coloring of the pulp is only a visual blemish and does not change the quince taste.
And what products can quinces be processed into? There are many uses for quince. Puree the cooked pulp into quince pulp. This tastes good in fruit salad, on ice cream, or refines cakes and biscuits. Whole quince wedges are a delicious topping for cakes. Alternatively, you can cook quince jelly or jam from the fruit.
But quinces are also delicious savory. Why not try quince wedges from the oven baked with Camembert or spicy quince chutney. This goes well with cheese, seafood, lamb, and poultry. You can also use quinces to create an oriental oven-roasted vegetable. Simply combine the fruit with peppers and carrots.
