Quince jelly

Quince Jelly Recipe: A Fragrant Delicacy

If you're looking for a quick and tasty dessert recipe, quince jelly is the perfect choice! This delicacy has a rich history and is cherished for its unique flavor and versatility in the kitchen. You can use quince jelly in tarts, puddings, or even as a topping for rice pudding. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: About 5 jars of 400g

Ingredients:

- 1 kg quinces
- 1 kg red apples
- 1 kg sugar
- 1 liter juice from boiling quinces and apples
- Vanilla sugar (optional, for added flavor)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Quinces:
Start by washing the quinces thoroughly. Make sure to wipe off any dust. It’s essential that the fruits are clean, as the skin will contribute to the jelly's flavor.

2. Cutting the Fruits:
Slice the quinces without peeling them, and remove the seeds. Do the same with the red apples. These fruits, rich in pectin, will help the jelly set perfectly.

3. Boiling the Fruits:
Place the sliced quinces and apples in a large pot, filling it with cold water until it exceeds the fruit level by about 5 cm. Add a pinch of salt (optional) to enhance the flavors. Boil over medium heat without stirring to prevent disturbing the juice. Let it simmer until the fruits become soft, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

4. Straining the Juice:
Once the fruits are softened, pour the contents into a strainer lined with a double layer of cheesecloth. This will allow the liquid to drain slowly, extracting all the fruit flavor. It’s important to let the liquid drain completely to achieve a rich-tasting jelly.

5. Measuring and Preparing the Sugar:
Once you have the liquid, weigh it. For every 1 liter of juice, add 1 kg of sugar. Mix well to dissolve completely. If you desire an extra flavor, you can add vanilla sugar at this stage.

6. Boiling the Jelly:
Put the mixture over medium heat and let it boil. It’s important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Boil until the mixture thickens, similar to a syrup, which can take between 30 minutes to 1 hour. A useful trick is to perform the drop test: drop a few drops of jelly onto a cold plate. If it sets easily, it’s ready!

7. Bottling:
Once the jelly reaches the desired consistency, pour it hot into sterilized jars. Ensure the jars are tightly sealed and let them cool to room temperature. The jelly will set as it cools.

8. Serving:
Quince jelly is delicious and can be served with tarts or as a topping for puddings, semolina, or rice pudding. You can even use it as a filling for cakes or enjoy it on its own, spread on a slice of toasted bread.

Practical Tips:
- Selecting Quinces: Choose firm but ripe quinces. An overripe quince will not yield a quality jelly.
- Variations: You can try adding other fruits, such as pears or citrus, to create a jelly with different flavors.
- Storage: Quince jelly stores well in sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jar in the refrigerator and consume it within a few weeks.

Nutritional Information:
Quince jelly is rich in fiber and vitamin C, with a relatively low calorie content depending on the amount of sugar added. It’s an excellent choice for desserts, serving as a healthier alternative to processed sweets.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other types of fruit?
Yes, jelly can also be made from other fruits, but it is recommended to use fruits high in pectin for better gelling.

2. How do I know when it’s ready?
The drop test is the best way to check the consistency. If it sets on the plate, the jelly is ready.

3. Can the jelly be frozen?
Typically, jelly is best stored in jars, but if you have a lot, you can try freezing it in small portions.

In conclusion, quince jelly is not just a dessert but also a way to preserve the flavors of autumn in jars. So, embrace this simple and delicious recipe and be inspired by the tradition of preserving fruits! Enjoy!