| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 60 mins – 120 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 250 | 0.2g | 0g | 65g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 50g | 1.5g | 0.4g | 0.02g |
When it comes to food, I find there’s nothing quite as heartwarming and palate-pleasing as a home-made spread. One of my absolute favourites, which brings together contrasting flavours in the most delightful way, is the Quince Jelly recipe. If done right, it delivers a sweet-tangy hug to the senses and also comes packed with a generous helping of health benefits.
A Nod to The Outdoors
Inspired by my Colorado roots and the bountiful gifts of Mother Nature, I’ve always found myself gravitating towards recipes that reflect the richness and diversity of the great outdoors. Quince Jelly is no different. The sweet-yet-sharp taste of the quinces reminds me of the crisp mountain air, while the preparation process feels much like a day spent in tranquillity amid nature. And for those of you who haven’t discovered the joys of quince yet, here’s a fun fact – they are an excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, making them great for boosting immunity and aid in digestion.
Pairing Possibilities
One thing I always enjoy about Quince Jelly is its versatility. This simple yet robust preserve pairs brilliantly with a variety of dishes. My partner Gordon, for instance, swears by the superb Country Fried Steak and Quince Jelly combo. Think of it as Colorado’s version of the classic chicken and cranberry pairing. I personally love it with a nice chunk of sharp cheddar, making every bite a symphony of delicate sweetness and intense tanginess.
For those who favour something more reminiscent of the quince jelly, a homemade apple butter might do the trick. Although subtler in its flavour profile, it shares the same comforting blend of sweet and tangy, and can be a great alternative when you desire something lighter.
Whether you serve it alongside a hearty roast, spread it over a freshly toasted slice of bread or use it as a surprise element in your dessert – the Quince Jelly distinctly shines through, turning an ordinary dish into an extraordinary feast.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lb quinces
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 packet fruit pectin (optional)
Method
Step One
First, clean your quinces and then cut them into quarter pieces. You don’t have to peel them or remove the seeds.
Step Two
Now, place the sliced quinces in a large pot and cover them with the 4 cups of water. Bring this to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. It should take around 45 – 60 minutes for the quinces to become soft and the liquid to turn pinkish.
Step Three
After the water has turned pinkish, strain the mixture through a fine sieve or a jelly bag into a different pot. Make sure to squeeze out as much juice as possible but do not press down on solids. Leave this to cool for a few hours to overnight.
Step Four
When you’re ready to make your jelly, measure out the juice. For every cup of juice, add 0.5 cup of sugar and mix it in the pot.
Step Five
Add the juice from one lemon into this mixture. If you’re using fruit pectin, mix in one packet at this point as well.
Step Six
Place this pot on medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a boil yet again. Boil it until the mixture reaches the desired jelly-like consistency; this might take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step Seven
Once the consistency is to your liking, remove it from the heat and pour into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch head space. Wipe the rims, affix the lids and bands, and process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool completely before storing.
Step Eight
Enjoy your homemade quince jelly! It’s perfect for pairing with cheese, spreading on toast, or even as a filling for pastries.
