Pickled quinces

Quinces, with their unmistakable aroma and crunchy texture, are a treasure of autumn, and today I will present you with a unique recipe to preserve these delicious fruits. It is a traditional method, but with a modern twist, that will transform quinces into a perfect condiment for various dishes. Get ready to discover how to make pickled quinces, a simple and tasty recipe that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rest time: 24 hours
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 day
Number of servings: 4-5 jars

Ingredients:
- 2000 g quinces (as fresh and aromatic as possible)
- 8 tablespoons pickling salt (non-iodized salt, ideal for preservation)
- 2000 ml water
- 500 ml wine vinegar (9 degrees)
- 20 black peppercorns
- 6 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
- 4-5 juniper berries (1 for each jar)
- 4-5 cloves (2 for each jar)

A brief story about quinces
Quinces, fruits that have been cultivated for thousands of years, are valued not only for their taste but also for their nutritional properties. These fruits are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, with a sweet-tart flavor that pairs perfectly in savory or sweet combinations. Preserving quinces is a tradition in many cultures, and today I invite you to keep this heritage alive with a simple recipe that will provide you with a special delicacy.

Preparing the quinces
1. Wash the quinces well: Start by washing the quinces thoroughly under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove any impurities from the skin.

2. Peeling and cutting: Cut the quinces into quarters, then remove the seeds and skin. Try to slice each piece as thinly as possible to allow for even marination.

3. Mixing with salt: Place the slices in a tall bowl, sprinkle the pickling salt, and then mix them well. Cover the bowl and let the quinces rest for 24 hours. This step is essential to extract the juice from the quinces, which will aid in preservation.

Preparing the brine
1. Boiling the liquid: After 24 hours, drain the quince slices from the brine formed. In a pot, combine the water, wine vinegar, peppercorns, bay leaves, mustard seeds, and juniper berries. Add the cloves for a more aromatic flavor.

2. Bringing to a boil: Place the pot on the stove and bring the liquid to a boil. Once it starts boiling, remove the pot from the heat.

Filling the jars
1. Packing the quinces: Start placing the quince slices in jars, pressing them gently to save space. Make sure to leave a little room at the top for the liquid.

2. Adding the liquid: Carefully pour the hot brine over the quinces, ensuring that the slices are completely covered. This will help with effective preservation.

3. Sealing the jars: Immediately close the jars with their lids and let them sit in a warm place until the next day, to allow them to steam well. This will allow the flavors to meld.

Storage
After the quinces have steamed, label the jars and store them in a cool place, such as a pantry, cellar, or balcony. These pickled quinces will be delicious and will add a special touch to your meals.

Serving suggestions
These pickled quinces are excellent as a side for meat, especially for pork or duck dishes. You can also add them to salads or use them as a filling in sandwiches. They pair perfectly with aged cheeses and a glass of wine.

Possible variations
If you want to experiment, you can add other spices, such as cinnamon or ginger, for a different flavor. You can also try replacing the wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a sweeter note.

Useful tips
- Choose fresh quinces: Buy quinces that have no spots or mold, as these affect the taste and safety of the pickles.
- Sterilizing the jars: Make sure the jars are well sterilized before using them to prevent contamination.
- Check the seal: After sealing the jars, check that the lids are airtight to ensure the quinces do not spoil.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another type of vinegar? Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, but the taste will be different.
- How long can I keep the quinces? If stored correctly, pickled quinces can last up to a year.
- What other recipes can I make with quinces? You can use quinces to make jams, compotes, or even delicious tarts.

I hope this recipe brings you joy and flavor in the kitchen! Cooking is an art, and preserving quinces is an excellent way to capture the taste of autumn for the cold winter days. Enjoy!