Spiced Poached Quince

Quince is a beautiful fruit, ancient, aromatic, and deeply nourishing. Often overlooked, it’s a true gem for wellness, especially when stewed or poached..

Here’s a simple, fragrant recipe to make them melt-in-the-mouth lovely, perfect for this season of soft golden light and slow, sensual nourishment.

Ingredients:

2-3 ripe quince (peeled, cored and quartered or sliced)

1L filtered water or more if needed

1 cup organic raw sugar

1 cinnamon stick

2 star anise

4-5 cardamom pods (lightly crushed)

Small piece of ginger

1 vanilla bean (split) or 1tsp vanilla extract

Juice of half a lemon

Method:

Prepare the syrup:

In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, lemon juice, and all the spices. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Peel and slice the quince:

Quinces oxidise quickly, so you can place them in lemon water as you go to prevent browning.

Poach:

Add the quince slices to the simmering syrup. Cover with a cartouche (a round piece of baking paper) or lid slightly ajar. Let it poach gently on low heat for 1.5-2hrs, or until the quince turns a lovely rosy hue and becomes tender.

Cool in Syrup:

Allow the fruit to cool in the syrup to deepen the colour and flavour.

Serving Ideas:

Warm with yoghurt and granola

Porridge side

As a tart topping

With a slice of almond cake or panna cotta

Or simply a spoonful, under moonlight