Quince jam

Quince Jam – a fragrant delight that will fill your pantry with flavor and sweetness! This traditional recipe will remind you of family moments, the inviting scent of ripe quinces, and the pleasant memories of childhood. Quinces, with their fine texture and unmistakable aroma, are perfect for transforming into a delicious jam, and I will show you step by step how to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: Approximately 6 jars of 400g

Ingredients

- 2 kg quinces
- 1 kg sugar
- 1 lemon (preferably organic, to avoid pesticides)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salicylic acid (for preservation)

Necessary utensils

- Large grater
- Large double-bottomed pot (for even cooking)
- Wooden spoon
- Sterilized jars with lids

Preparation

1. Preparing the quinces: Start by washing the quinces thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities. Then, peel them. You can keep the peels to make jelly, so don’t throw them away! Cut the quinces in half, remove the seeds, and then grate them. This step will release the natural juice of the quinces, contributing to a richer jam.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large pot, combine the grated quinces, sugar, juice from one lemon, and vanilla sugar. If you want an extra burst of flavor, you can add a few small pieces of lemon pulp, which will infuse the jam and give it a fresh taste.

3. Boiling: Place the pot over low heat and let the mixture simmer slowly. It is essential to stir continuously to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot. As it heats up, the quinces will release juice, and the sugar will dissolve completely.

4. Checking the consistency: After about 30-40 minutes, the jam will start to thicken. You can do the drop test: take a drop of jam and place it on a cold plate. If it holds its shape and doesn’t run, it’s ready!

5. Adding the salicylic acid: Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, add the salicylic acid and mix well. This will help preserve the jam, giving it a longer shelf life.

6. Bottling: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, filling them up to about 1 cm from the top. Immediately seal the jars with the lids and turn them upside down for a few minutes to create a vacuum. This trick helps maintain freshness.

7. Storing: Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, you can store them in a cool, dark place.

Practical tips

- Ingredient choices: Choose firm, but not overly hard quinces, as they are the juiciest. An organic lemon is ideal since it has no pesticides on the peel, and its juice is much more aromatic.

- Sugar-free option: If you prefer a healthier version, you can use natural sweeteners, but make sure they are suitable for cooking.

- The perfect jam: If you want a jam with larger fruit pieces, you can cut the quinces into small cubes instead of grating them.

Nutritional benefits

Quinces are rich in fiber, vitamins C and A, and antioxidants, making them a healthy ingredient. Consuming quince jam can help improve digestion and strengthen the immune system.

Frequently asked questions

1. How long does quince jam last?
Quince jam can be stored well for 1-2 years under proper storage conditions.

2. What can I do if the jam hasn’t thickened?
If your jam is too runny, you can boil it again, adding a little sugar and stirring constantly.

3. How can I use quince jam?
You can serve it on toasted bread, in pancakes, or as a filling for cakes and tarts. It also pairs perfectly with cheese.

Serving suggestions

Quince jam is delicious served on a slice of toasted bread, alongside butter or cheese. It can also be used as a topping for yogurt or as a filling in pastries. Imagine a tart with quince jam and a scoop of vanilla ice cream – a perfect combination!

Variations

If you want to add a bit of variety, you can incorporate cinnamon or grated ginger into the quince mixture to create new flavors. You can also combine quinces with other fruits, such as apples or pears, for a mixed jam.

Personal story

The memories associated with quince jam take me back to my childhood when my grandmother made it every autumn. The sweet and fragrant aroma spread throughout the house, and we, the kids, eagerly awaited our jars to be filled. This recipe is not just a way to preserve fruit, but also a way to keep alive the tradition and cherished memories.

In conclusion, quince jam is a simple and quick recipe, but it has a profound impact on taste and memories. So, put on your chef's apron and prepare this aromatic delicacy! I assure you, you won’t regret it!