“Steph it is that time of year Love?” said Mrs N, an old family friend. “Mr N and I are going on a cruise next week. You will have to come and get the quince yourself dear – you know where the trees are, don’t you?” said Mrs N in her usual bubbly voice “All we want is a jar of quince jelly for us!”
Following on from our conversation, I set off to Settle to pick some quince. They are found on prickly little bushes and Mrs N needn’t worry about me locating the trees, I know exactly where they are…oh yes! I love autumn and quince picking time is fine by me.
Steph foraging in Mrs N's garden!
My batch last year was not as good as the year before. However, I must admit I was so eager to show these quince some love, and nurture a great jelly, I had no reservations to set off straight away to pick them again this year.
What is a quince …..? These are little sour punchy apple like fruit and are full of flavour. My dear wild cooks, the quince is a difficult fellow to know, not very hospitable to pick as the thorns may get you, but like all ingredients that are a touch more difficult to prepare, wow – what great jelly these unfriendly fruits can produce! The flavours bounce around your mouth like a ping pong ball.
Peter, one of our other wild cooks and Managing Director of the luxury hotel, golf and spa Rudding Park, is the preserve king so I hope this jelly can live up to his Rowan Berry Jelly, challenge on!
What would nicely accompany this quince jelly folks? How about a mean addition to a cold meat platter or served alongside some roast pork, or why not with a ham sandwich for a quick lunch?
Quince Jelly
This free food is worth that extra effort…
Steph x
