Quince

Description

Quinces originate from Turkestan and Persia however they are now grown all over Europe. They are highly aromatic and will fill the room with their delicious scent. Known as ‘apple’ or ‘pear’ quinces, due to their shape, they are golden yellow when perfectly ripe.

In Britain their popularity has declined however in Spain they still remain highly prized, where quince pulp is boiled with sugar to make a thick fruit paste called ‘membrillo’. After boiling, it is cooled, cut into squares and served with soft cheeses or as a candy.

Pastes and jellies made from quince pair wonderfully with poultry, beef and game. Quince are also infused with spirits including vodka and grappa.

Raw quinces are inedible, but they are a superb natural air freshener. Try leaving a quince in the glove box of your car and benefit from the wonderful aroma for many months.