Homemade Quince Syrup: A Warming Winter Elixir
Quince Preserve: Crafting a Delicious Quince Tea for Colds, Muscle Aches, and Arthritis
Learn how to make a wonderfully warming quince syrup, perfect for sipping on cold winter days. This recipe is a delightful way to boost your immune system and enjoy the unique aroma of quince.
Ingredients
- 1 kg ripe quinces
- 1 kg granulated sugar (or brown sugar) (1:1 ratio of quince to sugar)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently wash the quinces under running water. If they have fuzzy skin, you can scrub them with baking soda or coarse salt to remove it effectively. Once clean, thoroughly pat them dry. Remove the core and seeds, then slice the quinces thinly into julienne strips. It’s crucial to remove the seeds and core as they can impart a bitter taste.
Step 2
If the julienned quince pieces seem a bit too long, feel free to cut them in half. Slicing them thinly is important; if the pieces are too thick, the sugar may not dissolve properly, affecting the consistency of the syrup.
Step 3
Begin layering the prepared quince and sugar in your clean jar or container. Alternate layers of quince and sugar, starting with a layer of quince at the bottom, followed by sugar, then quince, and so on. Gently press down on each layer to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed amongst the quince slices.
Step 4
For the final layer, cover the quince completely with a generous layer of sugar. This acts as a protective seal, preventing the top layer of quince from being exposed to air, which can cause discoloration or mold. Think of it as a sugar lid.
Step 5
Seal the container tightly and let it sit at room temperature for about a day, allowing the sugar to begin dissolving. After this initial period, transfer the container to the refrigerator. Allow it to mature for at least two weeks before enjoying. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer, more aromatic quince syrup. (Maturation time can be adjusted to your preference.)
Step 6
If you prefer to use honey instead of sugar, pour enough honey to completely submerge the quince slices. It might be easier to place the quince in the container first and then pour the honey over them, as honey can be quite sticky to mix directly.
Step 7
When making quince syrup with honey, it’s still recommended to finish with a layer of sugar on top, covering the honey. This helps preserve the honey and also provides a bit of sweetness, so you might not need to add extra sugar when preparing the tea later.