Homemade Quince Preserve: Aromatic & Soothing Tea
Homemade Quince Preserve: Aromatic & Soothing Tea
How to Make Quince Preserve & Delicious Quince Tea Recipe
Quince, with its potent fragrance that graces any space, is wonderfully beneficial when you have a cough. Its natural tartness makes it perfect for preserving with honey or sugar. This process transforms it into a delightful tea that not only boasts a wonderful aroma but also brings a comforting warmth throughout your body. Learn how to easily make this healthful and fragrant quince preserve at home.
Ingredients for Quince Preserve- 1 part ripe quince
- 1 part granulated sugar
- Honey to taste (optional)
- Baking soda (for cleaning)
- Boiling water (for cleaning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Since we’ll be making the preserve with the peel on, it’s crucial to wash the quinces thoroughly. To remove any surface dirt, you can rub them with baking soda or soak them briefly in a mixture of water and vinegar. Rinse them well under running water. After washing, pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Any remaining moisture can lead to spoilage.
Step 2
Now that the quinces are clean and dry, it’s time to prepare them for preservation. Cut the quinces into quarters or sixths lengthwise. Then, carefully remove the core and the hard, seedy center. It’s important to remove the seeds thoroughly as they can impart a bitter taste.
Step 3
Once the seeds are removed, slice the quince according to your preference. You can slice them thinly, cut them into julienne strips, or chop them into your desired shape. Thin slices tend to mix well with sugar and are easier to steep later. Julienne strips offer a pleasant texture. Feel free to choose the cut that suits you best.
Step 4
In a large bowl, combine the sliced quince with an equal weight of granulated sugar (a 1:1 ratio by weight). The sugar acts as a preservative, drawing out moisture from the quince and preventing spoilage.
Step 5
If you’d like to add extra sweetness or a richer flavor, incorporate some honey at this stage. Honey can be used as a partial substitute for sugar or added in addition to it, contributing to the preserve’s depth of flavor and aroma. Adjust the amount of honey according to your preference.
Step 6
Mix the quince, sugar, and honey thoroughly. Gently toss or stir with a spatula to ensure the sugar evenly coats the quince pieces. As the sugar begins to dissolve, it will draw out the quince’s juices, creating a syrupy consistency.
Step 7
Carefully transfer the mixture into sterilized glass jars. Make sure the jars have been thoroughly cleaned and dried after being sterilized in boiling water. Fill the jars, but leave a little headspace at the top. Seal the jars tightly and let them mature in a cool, dry place for at least one to two weeks. This resting period allows the flavors and aromas of the quince to fully infuse into the sugar.
Step 8
To enjoy your homemade quince preserve as tea, you have a couple of options. You can simply add a spoonful of the preserve to hot water and stir. However, for a more intense flavor and aroma, try simmering the quince preserve with water in a pot. This cooking method extracts more of the quince’s essence, resulting in a richer and more satisfying tea.
Step 9
A cup of tea made from this well-matured quince preserve is as comforting as its beautiful golden hue. The fragrant quince aroma will delight your senses, and the gentle warmth will spread throughout your body, bringing a sense of peace and well-being. Enjoy a healthy and delicious season with your homemade quince preserve.
