Candied Quince Delight

Quince, a fruit that resembles a cross between an apple and a pear, is the star of this delightful candied treat. This recipe requires just quince and sugar to transform the fruit into a sweet, chewy delicacy that can be enjoyed on its own or as an elegant garnish. The process involves thinly slicing the quince, allowing it to marinate in sugar, and patiently drying it until perfectly dehydrated. This sweet snack is perfect for tea time, holidays, or as an enchanting edible gift. The light syrup created during the process can be bottled and used to flavor teas or desserts. While seemingly simple, the transformation of the quince reflects an age-old tradition of preserving fruit in sugar. This recipe takes some time but requires minimal active effort, allowing the flavors of the quince to shine. Whether dried in an oven or a fruit dehydrator, the result is consistently delicious. For those unfamiliar with quince, this recipe offers a beautiful introduction to its unique taste and texture.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 kg quince (the larger, the better)
600 g sugar

Preparation Time

Total: 180 minutes (includes resting and drying time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Wash the quince thoroughly and cut them in half.
Using the back of a spoon, remove the seeds and core the fruit.
With a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the quince into thin sheets, approximately 1 mm thick.
The slicing process will yield about 600 g from each kilogram of quince.
Add 400 g of sugar to the sliced quince, mix well, and let it sit for two hours to macerate.
Save any leftover quince pieces and chop them finely.
Place the chopped pieces in a large bowl and sprinkle with the remaining 200 g of sugar. Stir and leave them to juice as well.
After a couple of hours, strain the syrup from the quince slices and arrange the fruit on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Preheat the oven to 75-100 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the top part of the oven.
Heat the slices until they're warm, then gently break them apart with your hands. Leave them in the heat for 30 minutes, stir again, and then dry for another 10 minutes. Repeat until all slices are completely dry.
Allow the leftover quince pieces to rest longer, and if desired, dry them using the same process.
Pour the syrup into bottles and store in the refrigerator as a delightful addition to tea.
Concurrently, try using a fruit dehydrator for drying; though the oven method is preferred, both yield excellent results.
Savor your candied quince as a standalone snack or as an exquisite dessert topping.

Tips

Use large and firm quince for the best results.
If a mandoline slicer isn't available, ensure your knife is very sharp for thin, even slices.
Monitor the drying process closely to prevent over-drying.

Nutrition

Calories: 100 kcal per 30 g serving, Carbohydrates: 27 g, Sugar: 25 g, Fiber: 2 g

Variations

For a spiced version, add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the sugar mix.
Use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener, adjusting the quantity to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a cheese platter for a sophisticated appetizer.
Top on yogurt or oatmeal for a breakfast twist.
Include in holiday gift baskets as a homemade treat.

Best Places

The Quince Cafe - Located in the heart of the culinary district, this cafe is famous for its quince-inspired desserts. Location: 123 Gourmet Rd, Culinary City, Country
Sugar & Spice - Known for innovative candy creations. Location: 456 Sweet St, Dessertville, Country
Traditions Old & New - Offers a menu featuring traditional and modern quince dishes. Location: 789 Heritage Ave, Anytown, Country
The Tea Room - Famous for its selection of teas paired with candied fruits. Location: 101 Sip Ln, Teatown, Country
Quince & Co. - Offers a wide selection of quince-based products. Location: 202 Orchard Way, Fruitville, Country
Gourmet Bites - Known for its artisanal candy assortments. Location: 304 Caddy Ct, Snack City, Country
Sweet Delights - A candy shop that features candied quince prominently. Location: 506 Sugar Rd, Sweetland, Country
Quince Haven - A restaurant that celebrates quince in every dish. Location: 708 Culinary Blvd, Food City, Country
Heritage Delicacies - Specializes in traditional fruit candies. Location: 910 Nostalgia St, Historytown, Country
The Fruit Artisan - Offers an array of gourmet candied fruits. Location: 112 Harvest Dr, Orchardtown, Country