Homemade Quince Jelly Recipe

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4.49 (13)
Homemade Quince Jelly Recipe
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
60 mins
Total Time:
80mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on February 10, 2024

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

  1. Wash and scrub the quinces thoroughly to remove any dirt or wax. Cut them into quarters, removing the cores and seeds.
  2. 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.
  3. Once the quinces are soft, remove them from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Reserve the cooking liquid.
  4. Using a food mill or a fine-mesh sieve, puree the cooked quinces until smooth. Measure the puree and return it to the pot.
  5. For every cup of quince puree, add 1 cup of sugar to the pot. Squeeze in the juice of the lemon.
  6. Place the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
  7. 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.
  8. Once the jelly has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface.
  9. 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.
  10. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
  11. 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.
  12. 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!

Interesting Facts

  • Quince jelly has been a popular preserve in American households for centuries.
  • Quinces are a fruit that is related to apples and pears. They have a sweet and floral aroma and a tart taste when raw, but when cooked, they develop a rich and complex flavor.
  • Quince jelly is a great addition to a cheese board, pairing well with various types of cheese, such as cheddar, brie, or goat cheese.
  • Making homemade preserves like quince jelly is a great way to reduce food waste and enjoy the flavors of fresh produce all year round.