When I looked up quince on Wikipedia It amused me to read that Ancient Greek poets (Ibycus, Aristophanes, e.g.) use quinces (kydonia) as a mildly ribald term for teenage breasts!
Related to apples and pears I read in an article recently that quince trees originated in the Caucasus and that they are part of the rose family. Certaily on the ancient world this was the fruit that represented love, marriage and fertility and it was suggested that it was a quince .. not an apple in the story of Adam and Eve.
The article went on to say that In 1275, Edward I planted four of the first ever quinces in England, paying sixpence for each one, and planted them in the grounds of the Tower of London. They must have been an exotic site in comparison to our apples and pears!
The white flesh is grainy sour, and hard, and it is only in cooking that they are transformed into tender fragrant rosy sweetness. .. So what to do with all these quince?
Please do tell me your suggestions and I will set to .. for I know from experience that they do not keep well.
Stuart suggests making Quinces-Roasted in Pineau des Charentes
Pippa suggested this fabulous Quince Tarte Tatin
The lovely Karen has suggested Quince Jelly and Quince and Wild Plum Sauce and Baked quince compote with Vanilla oh and this one from All that I am eating for Quince and Apple Pie
