Quince

Quince is an ancient fruit related to apples and pears, originating from the Caucasus and Middle East regions. The fruits have a distinctive golden-yellow colour, a pear or apple-like shape, and an intensely fragrant aroma. Raw quinces are hard and astringently tart, so they are almost always cooked before eating. In the kitchen, they are used to make jams, jellies, compotes, and the popular quince paste known as membrillo. They also pair beautifully with braised meats, especially lamb or pork, where their natural tartness creates a pleasant flavour balance. Quinces are rich in pectin, which helps jams and preserves set firmly without added gelling agents.