Quince jam

Grated Quince Jam – A Delicacy at Home

Grated quince jam is a traditional preparation, full of flavor and aroma, perfect for delighting your family and friends. This simple and delicious recipe will take you on a journey of tastes, bringing the essence of autumn to the forefront. Quinces, with their distinct and sweet aroma, transform into this delicacy that can be enjoyed on toast, in pastries, or simply as a snack. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars (approximately 400 g each)

Ingredients:
- 2 kg quinces (peeled and cleaned)
- 1.5 kg sugar
- 1 l water
- 1 lemon (sliced)

Useful tips about ingredients:
1. Choose ripe but firm quinces. A too-soft quince can affect the texture of the jam.
2. Sugar is essential for preservation, but you can experiment with muscovado sugar for a deeper flavor.
3. Lemon adds a touch of acidity, balancing the sweetness. You can also add lemon zest for extra flavor.

A bit of history:
Quince jam is a preparation that has been appreciated for centuries, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Quinces, the fruits of autumn, have been used to create delicious preserves that not only retain their flavor but also offer a way to enjoy their taste throughout the year.

Step by step for perfect jam:
1. Preparing the quinces: Wash the quinces well under cold running water to remove impurities. Peel them, remove the seeds, and grate them finely. Use a grater similar to that for carrots to achieve a uniform consistency.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large pot, add the grated quinces, sugar, and water. Mix well to combine the ingredients. This will be the base of your jam.

3. Boiling: Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. It is important to pay attention to the flame temperature, as too high a flame can burn the jam.

4. Adding the lemon: After about an hour, add the lemon slices to the mixture. The lemon will help intensify the flavors and aid in preserving the jam. Continue to boil until the sauce has reduced to the desired consistency, approximately 30-40 more minutes.

5. Checking the consistency: To check if the jam is ready, you can do the plate test: put a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate. If it remains compact and does not run, it is ready to be jarred.

6. Jarring: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1 cm of space to the lid. Seal the jars tightly.

7. Sterilizing the jars: Place the jars in an oven preheated to 100°C for about 30 minutes. This will ensure better preservation of the jam and prevent the development of bacteria.

Serving suggestions:
Grated quince jam is perfect for serving on toast, alongside a fragrant tea. You can also use this jam as a filling for pastries or as a topping for your favorite yogurt. A delicious combination would be with cottage cheese or goat cheese, for an interesting contrast of flavors.

Possible variations:
- Add a splash of vanilla or cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Experiment with other fruits, such as apples or pears, to create a mixed jam.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen quinces?
Yes, but it is recommended to thaw them completely before using.

2. How do I know if the jam is well cooked?
Check the consistency and taste. If it is too liquid, it needs to be boiled longer.

3. How can I store the jam?
Preserves are best kept in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep them in the refrigerator.

4. Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, but that may affect the texture and preservation of the jam. It is best not to reduce the sugar too much.

5. What other recipes can I make with quince jam?
You can use the jam in various pastries, as a filling for pancakes, or even in sauces for meat.

Enjoy this grated quince jam recipe, which will not only enrich your meals but also bring a touch of nostalgia and warmth to every jar. It is an excellent way to preserve the taste of autumn and savor it throughout the year. With each spoonful, you will discover a story full of tradition and love for cooking.