...they're not pears, after all. I feel so much better. Totally thought I was utterly incompetent since I couldn't even figure out how to eat a PEAR! They're quince. That's pronounced "kwins." Here's a little bit about them, according to wikipedia, the source of all knowledge on the web...
"Most varieties of quince are too hard, astringent and sour to eat raw unless 'bletted' (softened by frost and subsequent decay). They are used to make jam, jelly and quince pudding, or they may be peeled, then roasted, baked or stewed. The flesh of the fruit turns red after a long cooking time. The very strong perfume means they can be added in small quantities to apple pies and jam to enhance the flavour. Adding a diced quince to apple sauce will enhance the taste of the applesauce with the chunks of relatively firm, tart quince. The term "marmalade", originally meaning a quince jam, derives from "marmelo," the Portuguese word for this fruit."
Interesting, huh? I was actually quite involved reading about this little fruit, some good info there...Also, it was kind of wikipedia to point out that these are "not to be confused with quints." That could be confusing...5 babies...a fruit... But anyway...THAT explains why these were the hardest pears I have ever come across in my life. Yes, Mom, even harder than those miracle-working ones in the backyard! So, not exactly wanting to "blet" them, we took the advice of several Bulgarians (and wikipedia) and made jam. Not "made jam" as in actually got mason jars, etc, etc, (if only!), but just whipped up a batch and froze some and kept some out to eat right away. Quite yummy, if I do say so!
Alright, so the picture maybe doesn't make it look all that tasty, but trust me, it's good!
Mmmm...Nuala enjoying it on waffles...
A tired-looking Z (okay, not just tired-looking...plain ol' TIRED) with his delicious creation.
Bran, who if you can't tell, is giving a thumbs-up... Yes! Approval!
So next year we'll know how to properly take advantage of these lovely quince...quinces... quince... what's the plural of quince? Queence? They smell so sweet and delicious, I'm glad we finally figured out how to put them to use! And I'm soooo glad we're not total eejits when it comes to eating a pear!
10 comments:
Mmm..sounds yummy. So who was the one that made it? YOu or Z? Or was it a family project??? I have never tried one, might have to find one around here :)
Neat. The jam sounds good, I definitely support your decision to not wait until they are 'bletted' - yuck. Nuala looks so cute biting into her waffle. Did Bran get a hair cut recently? They are both just so cute!
Yum! I'm so glad you're not just an eejit, Fiona! ;o) It's so satisfying to make something out of your produce, isn't it? Or I guess out of your gardener's produce...did you give him a jar of the yummy jam? ;o)
I see what you mean about B's hair. Poor little guy, has he come to terms with his baldness yet? I'd laugh if I didn't know he wasn't pleased about it...doesn't seem right to laugh at his parentally inflicted humiliation...
;o)
Hi there ... good job Zac, no wonder you were tired ... making marmalade from scratch, or quince jam from scratch, has gotta be tiring! I'm sure you helped too, Fiona! It looks like salsa...the finished product. I am SO proud of you for taking advantage of what nature provided for you in your back yard, and not having to say years from now ..."We shoulda used them while we were in Bulguria..." so, does it taste sorta like marmalade? It looks red, which makes me want to say it must taste more like the usual red coloured jams (strawb, etc...) but it's probably an ocular misconception I suppose. The pics of the twins are great ... I like Bran's haircut...he's had it like that b4. He goes from one extreme to the other with his hair length ... well, there's a little "in-between" there while it's growing I guess... They must've had a hand in preparing the jam too, and that'd make it the more desirable to eat! ...but obviously it tasted great too. The fall tablecloth is very nice! Thanks for sharing and clearing up the pear mystery (hmmm, was it not as miraculous as the pears Fiona? ... maybe if you'd juiced them!) Love, Mom (Dad too) xox
You forgot to say the flavor . . . do they taste like pears? YUM!!
Yum! Way to go, that's awesome that you made jam. I love Bran's little thumb's up! They are getting so old looking! Yes, what does it taste like? Oh, and clever title too, ha ha!
When Dan's parents were alive they had a quince tree in their yard. One year I made jam and canned it in jars. It was delicious! You're lucky to have it!
I still can't say the name, even with your helper spelling. A harder pear sounded good though, I normally think pears are two mushy...
Thank you for educating us! And I love your blog title. Very cute.
That makes much more sense! Thanks for sharing...and your right, it does not look very tasty, but I believe you...
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