Here are some tips on how to poach quinces:
Choose ripe, aromatic and firm quinces. They should have a rich yellow color and emit a pleasant aroma. Avoid quinces that are too soft or bruised, as they may not maintain their shape during the poaching process.
Wash the quinces thoroughly to remove any dirt or wax coating. Peel the skin of the quinces using a vegetable peeler and cut them into halves or quarters. Remove the core and seeds from each piece as they can be quite tough and stringy.
Prepare a aromatic poaching liquid that will infuse the flavor of the quinces. Common ingredients for the liquid include water, sugar, spices (such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise), and lemon or orange peel. You can also add a drop of lemon juice or a tablespoon of honey to enhance the taste.
Place the prepared quinces in a large pot or saucepan and pour the poaching liquid over them. Make sure the quinces are completely submerged in the liquid. Leave the mixture to a gently simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low heat. Let the quinces cook slowly, uncovered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours. It is important to keep the heat low to prevent the quinces from falling apart.
As the quinces expand, the liquid will infuse with their flavors. Baste the quinces with the liquid from time to time so that they cook evenly and absorb the flavor. You can also rotate the quince pieces during the cooking process if needed.
To check if the quinces are ready, pierce them with a fork or knife. They should be tender but still maintain their shape. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and ripeness of the quinces, so keep a close eye on them. Once they have reached the desired tenderness, remove the quinces from the poaching liquid and set them aside.
Increase the heat to medium-high and allow the liquid to reduce and thicken. This will intensify the flavors and create a syrup-like consistency. Keep an eye on the liquid so it doesn't boil or burn.
Place the poached quinces on serving plates and pour the reduced poaching liquid over them. They can be eaten warm or chilled. Poached quinces are often served with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or alongside a slice of cake.
Poached quinces can be stored in the fridge for several days, allowing the flavors to develop further. They make a delightful dessert on their own or can be used as a garnish for yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes. Enjoy the aromatic and delicate texture of poached quinces!
Read more:
- Why should we eat more quinces;
- How quinces are stored.
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