Before we dive into the recipes, it is essential to understand that quince is not your typical fruit. Quince is a fruit that is a bit hard and sour when raw, making it inedible. Therefore, it’s necessary to cook it before making the jam. To make quince jam, you’ll need about three pounds of quince fruit, three cups of granulated sugar, and one lemon, cut into thin slices.
Recipe 1: Classic Quince Jam
This classic recipe is as simple as it gets, making it perfect for beginners who want to make quince jam for the first time.
1. Rinse the quince fruit and peel off the skins. Cut the fruit into small pieces and remove the core and seeds.
2. Place the quince pieces in a large pot, add enough water to cover the fruit, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the fruit is soft.
3. Once the fruit is cooked, remove it from the pot and place it in a food processor to make a smooth puree.
4. Place the puree back into the large pot, add the sugar and lemon slices, and stir well.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium and cook for about an hour or until the mixture thickens.
6. Pour the jam into sterilized jars and seal tightly.
Recipe 2: Spiced Quince Jam
This is the perfect recipe to add an exotic twist to your regular quince jam.
1. Rinse and peel the quince fruit, then cut into small pieces, and remove the core and seeds.
2. Place the quince pieces into a pot with 3 cups of water, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, and 1 star anise.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour or until the fruit is tender.
4. Remove the spices and pour the mixture into a food processor to make a smooth puree.
5. Place the puree back into the pot, add 3 cups of sugar, and stir well.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, and cook for about another hour or until the jam thickens.
7. Pour the jam into sterilized jars and seal tightly.
Recipe 3: Quince and Orange Jam
If you like tangy flavors, this recipe is perfect for you. It combines the flavors of quince and orange to create a delicious and unique jam.
1. Rinse and peel the quince fruit, cut into small pieces, and remove the core and seeds.
2. Place the quince pieces into a pot with 2 cups of freshly squeezed orange juice and 1 tablespoon of orange zest.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the fruit is tender.
4. Once the fruit is cooked, pour the mixture into a food processor to make a smooth puree.
5. Place the puree back into the pot, add 2-3 cups of sugar depending on your sweetness preference, and stir well.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, and let it cook for about another hour or until the jam thickens to your desired consistency.
7. Pour the jam into sterilized jars and seal tightly.
In conclusion, making quince jam is a simple process that you can easily do at home. You can get creative and add different spices and flavors to your jams, which can add new depth and interest to your regular breakfast routine. So, go ahead and try out these recipes, and get a taste of the deliciously tangy quince jam.