How do you eat a quince?

Quince are a bit different than most fruits. They're very hard and tart when raw, making them inedible in their natural state.

Here's how to enjoy a quince:

Cooking is key! Quince need to be cooked to become soft, sweet, and flavorful. Here are some popular methods:

* Baked Quince: Halve quince, remove the core, and bake with a little sugar and water until tender. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

* Quince Paste: This traditional treat involves simmering quince with sugar and lemon juice until it reduces to a thick paste. It's delicious spread on bread or crackers.

* Quince Jam: This sweet and tangy preserve is made by simmering chopped quince with sugar and lemon juice until it thickens. Enjoy it on toast, pancakes, or yogurt.

* Quince Compote: This simple dish is made by simmering chopped quince with sugar, lemon juice, and water until tender. It's a delicious accompaniment to poultry, pork, or cheese.

Other options:

* Quince Syrup: This sweet and aromatic syrup can be made by simmering quince with sugar and water until it reduces to a thick syrup. Use it to flavor cocktails, desserts, or even drizzle over yogurt.

* Quince Jelly: This clear and flavorful jelly is made by simmering quince juice with sugar until it gels. Enjoy it on toast, crackers, or cheese.

Remember:

* Quince have a lot of pectin, so they'll gel easily.

* The flavor of quince is similar to pear and apple, but with a hint of citrus.

* Look for firm, blemish-free quince with a fragrant aroma.

Enjoy experimenting with these delicious and versatile fruits!