Quinces: A Guide to Buying, Cooking With, and Storing Cydonia oblonga

Welcome to the wonderful world of quinces! If you’ve never heard of this unique fruit, you’re in for a treat. Quinces, also known as Cydonia oblonga, are a versatile and delightful fruit that can elevate your culinary creations. From fragrant tarts to indulgent ice cream, quince recipes offer a unique flavor profile that is sure to impress.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about quinces. We’ll explore the history and varieties of quinces, give you tips on how to select the best fruit, and teach you how to prepare them for cooking. We’ll also show you how to store quinces so they stay fresh for longer.

If you’re a quince newbie, don’t worry! This guide will take you through everything step by step. And if you’re already a fan of quinces, you’re sure to discover some new tips and tricks to take your quince game to the next level.

Key Takeaways:

• Quinces are a versatile and delightful fruit that can elevate your culinary creations
• Quinces are also known as Cydonia oblonga
• In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about quinces
• We’ll cover the history and varieties of quinces, selecting the best fruit, preparing them for cooking, and storing quinces
• Whether you’re a quince newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone in this guide!

What are Quinces?

Welcome to the wonderful world of quinces! If you’re not familiar with this unique fruit, you’re in for a treat. Quinces are a fruit native to the Middle East and belong to the same family as apples and pears. The scientific name for quinces is Cydonia oblonga, and they are known for their distinctive aroma and flavor.

Quince fruit is typically yellow-green and covered in a velvety fuzz. The flesh of the fruit is tart and hard when uncooked, but transforms into a sweet, pink-hued, and tender delicacy when cooked. The fruit is rich in pectin, which makes it ideal for making jams, jellies, and other preserves.

In Australia, quinces are considered a favorite fruit, and for good reason. Quince season runs from March to May and produces a bounty of delicious fruits.

There are several varieties of quinces available, each with its distinct flavour and characteristics. Among the most popular are Smyrna, Pineapple, and Champion.

So, whether you’ve never tasted a quince before, or you’re a seasoned quince aficionado, you’re in for a treat. Get ready to explore the beauty and versatility of Cydonia oblonga.

What are Quinces?

Quinces are a fruit native to the Middle East and belong to the same family as apples and pears. The scientific name for quinces is Cydonia oblonga, and they are known for their distinctive aroma and flavor.

In Australia, quinces are considered a favorite fruit, and their season runs from March to May. The fruit is typically yellow-green and covered in a velvety fuzz. The flesh of the fruit is tart and hard when uncooked, but when cooked, it transforms into a sweet, pink-hued, and tender delicacy. Quinces are rich in pectin, which makes them ideal for making jams, jellies, and other preserves.

There are several varieties of quinces available, each with its distinct flavour and characteristics. Among the most popular are Smyrna, Pineapple, and Champion.

Selecting the Best Quinces

When it comes to selecting quinces, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best fruit for your recipes. Quinces are in season from late autumn to early winter, usually from March to June in Australia. During this time, you can find a variety of quince cultivars in your local markets, including Smyrna, Champion, Pineapple and more.

To pick the best quinces, look for fruit that is heavy, firm, and unblemished. The skin should be smooth and downy, with a bright yellow hue. Avoid any quinces that have bruises, cuts, or soft spots, as this can indicate spoilage.

If you are unsure whether a quince is ripe, give it a gentle sniff. A ripe quince will have a sweet and floral fragrance, while an unripe one will have a more astringent scent.

Quince Varieties

There are several quince varieties available in Australia, each with its unique flavor, aroma, and texture. Here are some of the most common quince cultivars:

Quince Variety	Flavor Profile	Best Use
Smyrna	Floral, tart, and sweet	Preserves, jams, and jellies
Champion	Floral, sweet, and spicy	Baking and desserts
Pineapple	Aromatic, sweet, and fruity	Preserves, baking, and desserts
Orange	Aromatic, tart, and acidic	Preserves, baking, and desserts

Explore different quince varieties to discover your favorite and add it to your recipe collection.

Preparing Quinces for Cooking

Quinces are a versatile fruit that can be used in various recipes. From preserves to desserts, quinces add a unique and delicious flavor to your dishes. Here are some tips on how to prepare quinces for cooking:

How to Cook Quinces

Cooking quinces can be a bit challenging as they are tough and woody when raw. However, with some careful preparation, you can make the most of their unique flavor and aroma. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Wash the quince fruit thoroughly and remove any dirt or blemishes.
2. Peel the quince using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. Be careful as the flesh is tough and can be difficult to cut.
3. Remove the core and seeds using a spoon or knife. Quince seeds contain pectin which makes them ideal for making preserves. Save them for later use if you plan to make preserves.
4. Slice the quince into small pieces or wedges. The size and shape of the pieces depend on the recipe you plan to use them for. For example, if you are making quince paste, the pieces should be smaller so that they can cook quickly and evenly.
5. Place the quince pieces in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until the quince is soft and tender.
6. Drain the quince and discard the water. Rinse the quince pieces with cold water to remove any excess starch.

Quince Preserves

Quince preserves are a popular way to enjoy this versatile fruit. They can be used as a spread, condiment, or added to baked goods. Here’s how to make quince preserves:

Ingredients	Instructions
2 kg quinces, peeled and chopped	In a large pot, combine the quinces with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about an hour or until the fruit is soft.
Water	Drain the fruit and reserve the liquid. Measure the fruit and return it to the pot with an equal amount of sugar and the reserved liquid. Cook on medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2 kg sugar	Simmer on low heat until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy. Spoon the preserves into sterilized jars and seal.

Quince Desserts

Quinces can be used to make a variety of desserts, from cakes to pies. Here’s a simple quince dessert recipe:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C.
• Peel and core 3 medium quinces.
• Cut the quinces into small pieces and place them in a baking dish.
• Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of brown sugar and dot with butter.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the quinces are soft and caramelized.
• Serve with ice cream or custard.

Quince Paste

Quince paste, also known as membrillo, is a delicious Spanish delicacy that is often served with cheese and crackers. Here’s how to make quince paste:

1. Follow the steps for cooking quinces above, but add cinnamon and cloves to the water to infuse the quince with flavor.
2. After cooking, puree the quince in a food processor until smooth.
3. Measure the puree and add an equal amount of sugar.
4. Return the puree and sugar to a pan and cook on low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased dish and allow it to cool and set for at least a day.
6. Turn the paste out onto a cutting board and cut it into small squares or wedges.
7. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

Now that you know how to prepare quinces for cooking, you’re ready to explore the many culinary delights this versatile fruit has to offer!

Quinces in Culinary Delights

Quinces are a versatile ingredient that can add a unique flavour and texture to your dishes. Whether you’re looking to make a sweet quince dessert or a savoury quince dish, there are plenty of recipes to choose from.

How to Cook Quinces

Cooking quinces is easy and can be done in a variety of ways. Some popular methods include:

• Poaching – This involves cooking the quinces in liquid, usually water, with sugar and spices.
• Baking – This involves baking the quinces in the oven with sugar and spices.
• Roasting – This involves roasting the quinces in the oven with sugar and spices.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to slice the quinces thinly to ensure they cook through. And don’t forget to add some spices like cinnamon or vanilla to enhance their flavour.

Quince Dessert Recipes

Quinces are perfect for making desserts, and there are plenty of recipes to choose from. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Quince Dessert	Description
Quince Tart	This delicious dessert features thinly sliced quinces arranged in a beautiful pattern on top of a buttery pastry crust.
Quince Crumble	This comforting dessert features soft baked quinces topped with a crunchy crumble topping.
Quince Ice Cream	This indulgent dessert features creamy ice cream infused with the delicate flavour of quinces.

Quince Recipes for Savoury Dishes

Quinces are not just for desserts – they can also add a unique flavour to savoury dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Quince and Lamb Tagine – This traditional Moroccan dish features tender lamb stewed with quinces, spices, and herbs.
• Quince Chutney – This sweet and spicy condiment is perfect for serving with cheese and crackers.
• Quince and Apple Pork Roast – This hearty roast features juicy pork loin seasoned with quinces, apples, and cinnamon.

As you can see, there are many ways to incorporate quinces into your culinary repertoire. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury dishes, quinces offer a unique flavour and texture that can take your cooking to the next level.

Storing Quinces

Now that you’ve learned how to select and prepare quinces, it’s important to know how to store them properly to maintain their freshness.

Quinces are a hardy fruit and can be stored for several weeks if kept in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Avoid storing quinces in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can affect their texture and flavor. Instead, store them in a well-ventilated area such as a pantry or cellar.

If you have sliced or peeled quinces, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

It’s important to store quinces away from other fruits, particularly apples, as they can cause quinces to ripen and spoil quickly due to their ethylene gas emissions.

Tips for Storing Quinces:

• Wrap quinces individually in a piece of newspaper or paper towel to help absorb excess moisture and prevent them from touching one another.
• Check on your stored quinces regularly to ensure that none have begun to spoil.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the delicate flavor and aroma of quinces for weeks on end.

The Beauty of Quince Trees

Quince trees are a thing of beauty, adding a touch of elegance to any garden or orchard. With their gnarled branches and pale pink blossoms in spring, they are a wonderful addition to your backyard.

Quince trees grow to be about 10 to 15 feet tall and wide, providing a compact and manageable size for home gardeners. They are also hardy trees, able to withstand harsh weather conditions and high temperatures.

At their core, quince trees are known for their fruit, the Cydonia oblonga. The fruit is small and hard, resembling a small apple or pear. Quince trees are well suited for growing in Mediterranean climates and are known to thrive in Australia.

One of the most fascinating things about quince trees is their history. The ancient Greeks considered quince trees sacred, believing that the fruit was a symbol of love and fertility. Quince trees were also prized by the Romans, who used the fruit in perfumes, lotions, and even as a form of medicine.

Today, quince trees are grown for their fruit, which is used in a variety of culinary applications. The fruit is high in pectin, making it a popular ingredient in jams, jellies, and preserves. Quince paste, a gourmet delight, is made by boiling quince with sugar to create a thick, sweet spread.

Caring for a quince tree requires some effort, but the rewards are worth it. Quinces are generally planted in the cooler months of the year, in well-drained soil and an area with full sun. Pruning is also essential to maintain the shape and health of the tree, with pruning done in the dormant season.

Benefits of Growing Quince Trees

• Beautiful addition to your garden or orchard
• Hardy trees that can withstand harsh weather conditions
• Produce fruit high in pectin, perfect for making jams, jellies, and preserves
• Quince paste is a gourmet delight and a perfect pairing for cheese and charcuterie boards

If you’re looking for a beautiful and fruitful addition to your garden, consider growing a quince tree. The Cydonia oblonga is a versatile and delightful fruit that offers a unique flavor profile and a touch of elegance to your home.

Quince Preserves: A Versatile Delicacy

Quince preserves, also known as quince paste or quince cheese, are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with cheese and crackers. Making quince preserves is a great way to preserve the fruit and enjoy its unique flavor and aroma all year round.

There are various recipes for making quince preserves, but most involve cooking down the fruit with sugar and lemon juice until it forms a thick, jelly-like consistency. The result is a sweet and tangy spread that is perfect for adding to toast, pastries, and more.

Quince Preserve Recipe

To make quince preserves, you will need:

• 1 kg quinces, washed, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces
• 1 kg sugar
• 1 lemon, juiced

Step	Instructions
1	Place the chopped quinces in a large pot and cover with water.
2	Bring the quinces to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the quinces are soft and tender, about 30 minutes.
3	Strain the quince mixture through a fine mesh sieve and discard the solids.
4	Return the quince juice to the pot and add the sugar and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
5	Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened and turned a deep orange color, about 2-3 hours.
6	Pour the quince preserve mixture into sterilized jars and let cool completely before sealing.

Once your quince preserves are ready, store them in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Serve with cheese and crackers for an elegant and delicious appetizer, or enjoy on your favorite toast or pastry for a sweet treat.

Quinces in Desserts: A Sweet Indulgence

Are you ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with the unique and delicious flavor of quinces? Look no further than quince desserts! From pies to cakes, there are so many ways to incorporate this underrated fruit into your desserts.

One of the most popular quince desserts is the classic quince crumble. The crisp topping combined with the tender fruit is a match made in heaven. For a twist on this traditional dessert, consider adding some spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble topping to enhance the flavor profile of the quinces.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a quince and almond tart. The nutty flavor of almonds pairs perfectly with the fragrant quince fruit.

Tip: For the best results, poach the quince in sugar syrup before adding it to the tart. This will ensure that the quince is soft and tender, and the tart has the perfect texture.

Quince cakes are another popular dessert option, with their light and fluffy texture and wonderful aroma. Some recipes call for pureed quince, which lends a unique flavor and texture to the cake.

Recipe: Quince and Almond Tart

Ingredients	Method
1 sheet of shortcrust pastry	1. Preheat the oven to 200C and grease a 23cm tart tin. 2. Roll out the pastry and line the tart tin. Trim the edges. 3. Bake the pastry for 10 minutes. 4. Reduce the oven temperature to 180C.
4 large quinces, peeled, cored, and sliced	1. Poach the sliced quinces in a sugar syrup for 20 minutes until tender. 2. Drain the quinces and reserve the syrup for later.
100g caster sugar	1. In a saucepan, cook the sugar over moderate heat until it caramelizes. 2. Add the quince syrup to the caramel and stir until combined. 3. Pour the mixture over the quinces and stir well.
100g ground almonds	1. In a bowl, mix the ground almonds and sugar together. 2. Add the beaten eggs and mix well. 3. Spread the almond mixture over the pastry.
2 eggs, beaten	1. Arrange the quinces over the almond mixture. 2. Bake for 25-30 minutes. 3. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Quince desserts are a delightful way to experience the unique flavor of this underrated fruit. Whether you prefer a classic crumble or a sophisticated tart, there is a quince dessert for everyone to enjoy. So why not try something new and explore the world of quince desserts today?

Quince Paste: A Gourmet Delight

If you’re looking for a unique and versatile addition to your cheese platter, quince paste is the way to go. Made from the deliciously fragrant quinces, this sweet and tangy paste is a gourmet delight that will impress your guests.

To make quince paste, you’ll need to start by cooking down quince fruit into a puree. Once you have your puree, you’ll add sugar and cook it down until it thickens and turns a deep amber color. The resulting quince paste can be served with cheese, crackers, and dried fruits for a delightful snack or appetizer.

There are many variations of quince paste recipes, but one popular way to add an extra layer of flavor is by incorporating spices like cinnamon, cloves, or star anise. You can also experiment with different types of cheese pairings to find the perfect combination of flavors.

Quince Paste Recipe

Ingredients	Instructions
1.5kg quinces, washed and roughly chopped	1. In a large pot, cover the chopped quinces with enough water to come up to about 5cm above the fruit. 2. Bring the quinces to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the fruit is soft and mushy. 3. Push the pulp through a fine sieve or use a food mill to create a smooth puree. 4. Weigh the puree and return it to the pot with an equal weight of sugar. 5. Cook the puree and sugar mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has completely dissolved. 6. Increase the heat to medium and cook the mixture until it thickens and turns a deep amber color. 7. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased baking dish and let it cool and set. 8. Once set, cut the paste into desired shapes and sizes, and serve with your favorite cheese.
1.5kg sugar

Quince paste is a delightful way to incorporate this unique fruit into your culinary creations. Whether you’re serving it with cheese or enjoying it on its own, quince paste is a gourmet treat that is sure to impress.

Quinces: A Seasonal Delight

Quinces are a fruit that can only be enjoyed during a specific time of the year, making them a seasonal delight. Their season typically falls between mid-March and late May in Australia, although it can vary depending on the location and the weather conditions. During this time, you can find fresh, ripe quinces at your local farmers’ market or grocery store.

The seasonality of quinces adds to their charm and allure, making them a highly sought-after fruit for chefs and food enthusiasts. The limited availability of quinces makes them a special ingredient to be savored and appreciated during their peak season.

When selecting quinces during their season, look for fruit that is firm to the touch, with a golden yellow hue and a fragrant aroma. Ripe quinces should also give slightly when gently pressed. Be sure to handle quinces with care, as they bruise easily.

Once you have your fresh quinces, the possibilities for culinary creations are endless. From sweet desserts to savory dishes, quinces add a unique flavor and aroma that is sure to impress.

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing this guide to the wonderful world of quinces! You have learned about the unique characteristics, history, and varieties of Cydonia oblonga.

By now, you should be equipped with the knowledge to select the best quinces, prepare them for cooking, and store them properly to ensure their freshness. You have also discovered the versatility of quinces in culinary delights, from preserves to desserts.

Remember to embrace the seasonal nature of quinces and savor their limited availability. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a beginner cook, quinces offer a unique flavor profile that can elevate your culinary creations.

If you’re looking for a new ingredient to add to your repertoire, look no further than the quince. With their distinctive aroma and flavor, they are sure to impress your taste buds and those of your friends and family.