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Quince Jam

The transformation from hard, astringent quince fruit into a silky, ruby-red preserve delivers deep, honeyed flavor with floral and apple-like notes.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4 half-pint jars
Course: Preserves
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 55

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 pounds fresh quinces peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
  • 1.5 pounds granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Equipment

  • Large stainless steel pot or preserving pan
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Food mill or potato ricer
  • Candy or deep-fry thermometer
  • Glass jars with lids for canning
  • Jar lifter or long-handled tongs
  • Large bowl for cooling

Method
 

  1. Wash the quinces thoroughly under running water to remove any fuzz, then peel, halve, and scoop out the cores, discarding seeds and tough center.
  2. Cut the peeled quince halves into roughly one-inch chunks to ensure even cooking.
  3. Place the quince chunks and 1 cup water into a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the quince pieces are completely soft and fall apart under the spoon.
  5. Pour the softened quince and cooking liquid through a food mill into a large bowl to create a smooth puree.
  6. Return the quince puree to the pot and stir in 1.5 pounds granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice until fully dissolved.
  7. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a rolling boil, stirring frequently, then cook until the mixture reaches 220°F on a candy thermometer, about 60 to 90 minutes.
  8. Test for doneness by placing a spoonful on a cold plate, cooling for one minute, and checking that the surface wrinkles when pushed with your finger.
  9. Sterilize glass jars by running them through the hot dishwasher cycle or boiling in water for 10 minutes; remove with a jar lifter.
  10. Ladle the hot jam into the jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace, wipe rims clean, apply lids and bands, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Notes

Flavor improves significantly after at least one month of storage; serve on toast, cheese boards, or as a dessert topping.