1stop Organic Gardening

Quinces are a fruit you don’t hear much of any more. There’s the odd tree at an abandoned house garden, but people just don’t seem to include them in their organic gardens. Well, I do!

I’ve just made a batch of quince jam. It’s delicious. My grandma used to make it, as well as preserved quinces, which I love too. I know the humble quince isn’t any good as a fresh fruit – if you’ve even bitten into one you’d know what I’m talking about. It can make the cutest face contort with its astringent pang.

But when it’s cooked it has one of the most delicious flavors that I know. OK, here’s how I make my quince jam. Double the recipe or triple it, depending on how many quince and jars you have.

Quince Jam

6 large quinces

2.5 cups raw sugar

3 cups water

That’s it! Just peel and core your quinces. Cut them into small pieces. Add the sugar and water and cook (just boiling) for about an hour. Use a blender to sort of puree your ingredients, pour into sterilized jars and label. Too easy!

And quinces are so easy to grow once established, if you live in a cool to temperate climate. They need deep, rich soil and a good regular watering during long hot, dry spells. The trees are quite attractive and have a lovely pink blossom.

They are the last fruit the birds will come for in your organic garden and when they’re picked (before you turn them into jam or preserves) they have the most divine smell that will have you walking past them just to catch another smell.

With all those wonderful benefits, the quince tree is a great tree to consider for any organic food garden.

Happy Organic Gardening, Healthy Living…

Julie

Filed under: Recipes, Uncategorized on April 13th, 2008