Quince Tree Varieties

[Marken]

I'm thinking of planting a quince tree. Some varieties of quince turn a beautiful rose pink colour when baked. Does anyone know a variety that will do this? Also, can they be grown on a rootstock that will moderate the eventual size? Any ideas?

[MrsL]

Vranja is a good one, it's the one I have. I think most are grown on rootstocks these days. The most beautiful blossom too.
Try Adams Apples or Deacon's on the IOW, where I go mine from.
Hope that helps.

[Marken]

Thnks MrsL - have you found that this variety does indeed turn that lovely pink colour?

[MrsL]

Yes it does, and makes a very beautiful jelly and wine.

[Marken]

Thanks again MrsL.
I have used quince to make membrillo or even better baked them as they do in Turkey.

[PLUMPUDDING]

Hi Marken, I've got a Vranja too, from Deacons and got bucket fulls from it last year. I love membrillo, but am interested in your suggestion for baked quinces - do you just bake them as they are, or do you have a recipe? They do make lovely deep pink membrillo.

[Marken]

Hi PLUMPUDDING,
I couldn't find my original recipe but this one is similar:
http://recipesfromstella.blogspot.com/2 ... uince.html
The only additions I would say is that I cover the quince with foil to prevent drying out and I lower the temperature, baking for much much longer - up to 4/5 hours. It seems the long cooking time allows the deep red colour to materialize.
If you can stand the suspense, I'll post the original recipe later when I am at home - its stored on my home computer!

[Marken]

OK, here is the original recipe that I used;
http://inpraiseofsardines.typepad.com/b ... that_.html

I'm sure you will enjoy this - its not just the flavour but the texture too. By the way, I usually make up a large batch and store in the fridge. They all get eaten within a week but I'm sure would keep much longer. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

[PLUMPUDDING]

They sound lovely Marken, thank you. Now I've got something to do waiting for the snow to melt.

I can now use up the last few quince that have been looking sorry for themselves in the conservatory.