Recipes

Traditional Portuguese Quince Jelly

Quince jelly uses peel, cores and pips left from marmelada. These parts release pectin while cooking; the liquid is then strained without pressure and cooked with sugar until it forms a transparent gel.

Yields
2–3 small jars
Prep
20 min (+ straining)
Cook
1 hr 15 min
Difficulty
Read about Portuguese Quince Jelly →
Traditional Portuguese Quince Jelly, ready to serve

Ingredients

  • from 1.5 kg quinces Quince peel, cores and pips
  • enough to cover Water
  • 750 g per litre strained liquid Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice

Method

  1. Wash the quinces thoroughly before removing peel and cores. Put the trimmings in a non-reactive pan and just cover with water.

  2. Simmer gently for 35–45 minutes, until the peel is very soft and the liquid fragrant.

  3. Pour through fine cloth or a jelly bag and let it drip by gravity. Do not squeeze if you want a clear jelly.

  4. Measure the liquid. Add 750 g sugar per litre, stir in the lemon juice and boil uncovered, skimming off foam.

  5. Begin testing after 20 minutes: a drop on a very cold plate should wrinkle when pushed. Remove from the heat immediately.

  6. Pour into sterilised jars. For room-temperature storage, follow a validated water-bath canning process; otherwise cool and refrigerate.