Learn how to make delicious homemade quince jelly with this simple and easy recipe. Quince jelly is a classic American preserve that's perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or serving with cheese. Made with ripe quinces, sugar, and lemon juice, this jelly has a sweet and tangy flavor that will delight your taste buds. It's a great way to use up a surplus of quinces from your garden or local farmer's market.
Ingredients
- 4-5 ripe quinces
- 4 cups sugar
- 1 lemon
Directions
- Wash and scrub the quinces thoroughly to remove any dirt or wax. Cut them into quarters, removing the cores and seeds.
- Place the quince quarters in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the quinces are soft.
- Once the quinces are soft, remove them from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Reserve the cooking liquid.
- Using a food mill or a fine-mesh sieve, puree the cooked quinces until smooth. Measure the puree and return it to the pot.
- For every cup of quince puree, add 1 cup of sugar to the pot. Squeeze in the juice of the lemon.
- Place the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Continue to boil the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches the jelling point. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. To test if it's ready, spoon a small amount onto a chilled plate and let it cool. If it forms a jelly-like consistency, it's done.
- Once the jelly has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface.
- Carefully pour the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about half an inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth, then seal tightly with lids and rings.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
- Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a kitchen towel. As they cool, you should hear the satisfying sound of the lids popping, indicating proper sealing.
- Store the quince jelly in a cool, dark place for at least a week before opening. This allows the flavors to meld and the jelly to set properly. Enjoy!
