Have you wondered what to make with this green-yelloish looking fruit called quince? Well, look no further, as you have definitely found one of the best quince recipes here. This quince jam it's the perfect jam to make at home, it is easy to make and so full of flavor! It only requires 3 ingredients. The quince, sugar, or honey, and lemon. The best jam in the world, if you ask me.
It all began with eating raw quince as a kid, and my daughter can and likes it too. Not everyone can have raw quince since it is not the easiest fruit to eat. Thin slices are best to approach, and chunks are only ok if you are used to them. A glass of whatever is nearby might come in handy.
I love quince in any way, shape, or form, whether that's raw, lightly baked like in this Baked Apples with Oatmeal recipe, boiled, and made into a compote, or chopped or grated and made into a quince jam (dulceata de gutui as we call it) - just like this recipe.
Quince is a bit of a strange fruit that, if you have never eaten one before, you will get pleasantly surprised. It's a little like apple sauce but with an earthy flavor of its own.
Since I grew up eating this fruit jam, I can easily say that this and the green walnut jams or preserves are my two top favorite preserves that I would never turn down.
Jump to:
💚 Healthy quince jam
I'm making them a little healthier (sorry, mum) in the sense that I always choose healthier sugars or honey as opposed to caster sugar, which was the only sugar available when I was a kid. I also reduce the sugar amount significantly since I make small batches (one or two fruits at a time).
If you have never tried quince jam, quince jelly, or any quince preserves before, make this jam as part of your exploration into the world of food preservation, which has been on the rise in recent years.
Preservation and home-cooked food, make-your-own-everything, from scratch, to know what you are eating exactly. Supermarket preserves are convenient, but are not to be compared and don't even come close to homemade ones.
A good organic quality jam or preserving it is very pricey too.
Quince jam. It's not too sweet (well, this one at least), and this is how I like it. It pairs well with cheese or toast for breakfast or tea time, or just by itself.
In general, I cut the quince to make my quince jam, but if I am in a hurry or I am not in the mood for all that chopping, I grate it; it is super easy. I do like some chunks, though, so I cut them or I make them mixed, diced, and grated.
🥘 Ingredients needed
Just three ingredients will be needed in this recipe ( Quince fruit, Sugar or Honey, and Lemon)
- Quince - no need to peel the quince, just remove the core and scoop out the seeds too; they are pectin-rich and help to jellify the jam, and they give great flavor too.
- Sugar - I remember my grandma and my mum adding kilo for kilo ( 1Kg of sugar for 1 Kg of fruit). It was lovely, do not get me wrong, but sooo sweet. Way too sweet for my taste now. As a kid, I did not mind it, but now I would find it so sweet that I almost cannot taste the lovely flavors. I add a lot less, but it all depends on taste. I like it tart too.
- Lemon - zest and juice one lemon, and cut into slices the second one - I absolutely love the lemon slices in the jam, they are delish.
🔪 How to make quince jam?
There are two ways of making this quince jam. The traditional way used by most people, and my way of doing it.
There are four simple steps when it comes to making this flavorsome jam:
The traditional way of making quince jam
Step 1
Prepare and chop or grate the quince fruit:
If cutting it: Wash and cut the quince into slices, then strips, and then little pieces cubed or thin, rectangularly shaped pieces.
If grating: Wash and cut the fruit in half. Grate (using a cheese grater- bigger holes) and work around the core. Grate the quince flesh until you get to the hard woody texture by the core.
Using a knife (it does not have to be a sharp one) or a pointier teaspoon, scoop out some or all of the seeds/pits from inside the core cavities/ compartments. These are super high in pectin, helping with setting the juices later on. Please note that high amounts of seeds/pits can become poisonous.
Step 2
Simmer the chopped or grated fruit in water containing lemon juice:
Choose a super wide-bottomed pan and also a double/thick-bottom saucepan - it helps with water evaporating faster due to the large surface and the double bottom to avoid burning.
Put the needed water quantity (see recipe card for exact amount) in the saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add the quince and the lemon juice. Reduce the heat and simmer until the quince gets soft (about 10-12 minutes if grated and 15 if chunkier).
Step 3
Bring in the sugar and simmer on reduced fire until thickened:
Add the sugar and bring it to a boil again, stir well until all of the sugar has dissolved, and lower the heat to medium.
Continue to cook (uncovered), keeping an eye on and seldom stirring until the quince jam turns into a lovely pink/orange color and the juices have thickened to an aspired consistency. It will take approximately 40 minutes.
Step 4
Jarring the jam:
Ladle into sterilized preserving jars and seal.
For my method/technique, see the recipe card below.
I like the traditional method; however, I find that the fruit (especially if grated) gets overcooked.
My method reduces the cooking time for the fruit, saving it from losing vitamins. See the recipe card to learn all about how I am making it, and this is pretty much how I make all my jams these days.
🤹♂️ Variations for quince jam
Quince will mix well with other ingredients, so you can make a beautiful quince jam with:
- chia seeds
- fresh ginger
- vanilla
- cinnamon
- apple
- pears
- apricot
- walnuts
I would honestly be extremely happy to hear from you about other combinations you have used and how you serve your quince jam.
❓Recipe FAQs
Pair with cheese:
Combine any mature but also fresh cheese - it makes a beautiful marriage - think of adding some to a cheese board - Mmmmm, a dream!
Appetizer suggestions:
Bruschetta with quince jam and goat's cheese. So easy to prepare and really delicious, perfect with a good old white wine or a good Porto. Quick fix for guests.
Savory suggestions:
- pairing it with meats like chicken or turkey, ham, or pork roast. Make it a side dish.
Add to cakes or desserts:
Cakes with quince jam, cookies, biscuits, tarts with this sweet quince jam... mmmm, delicious.
Quince desserts: the best ones if you ask me.
Preparing some homemade cookies filled with this quince jam, filling to some pastry puffs.
What about having it with some pancakes?
The perfect jam to use with a slice of cheese on a crusty, rustic, delicious slice of sourdough bread.
Sterilizing the jars and the lids is a crucial step and should not be skipped or ignored for the best results. Here is how to do it:
Sterilizing the jars:
Rinse those, place them upside down on a clean towel, allow them to dry, and then place them in the oven for 10-15 min at 65°C or 200°F.
Sterilizing the lids:
Before applying the lids and sealing the jars, they also need to be sterilized.
You can place those in the oven too, after being washed, face down. Alternatively, place them in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Leave them in the hot water for 2 min and then pick them up with tongs and place all on a clean towel (face down for the water to drain).
Make sure to wipe clean the rims of the jars before sealing them with the lids.
The readiness test step is a must-do since these jams, in general, are super easy to overcook due to the sugar added. It is never a clear sign as to when it is ready. After the first 10 minutes of cooking it, when bubbles are slower to pop and the jam seems to become less runny, lower the fire, and spoon a spoonful of jam juices on a cold saucer (I place a saucer in the fridge prior to the test).
Run a line through the middle of the jam juice with the wooden spoon or even your finger. If a clear path is left behind that does not immediately disappear, the jam is ready. Turn the fire off and jar it immediately in the prepared and sterilized jars.
🍽️ Other jam recipes that you may like
- Simple Elderberry Jam (3 Ingredients)
- Rhubarb and Gin Jam
- Cranberry Jam -15 minute
- Raw Sauerkraut with Turmeric
- Chilli, Ginger And Lemon Rind Jam
- Pickled Watermelon Recipe
Recipes, quince jam could be a great addition
- Carrot and Butternut Squash Pancakes
- Spelt Flour, Coconut, Quince Jam And Peach Homemade Galette
- Easy Cinnamon Rolls With Homemade Jam
- Jam And Fresh Fruit Tartlets
- Yummy Jammy Doughnuts
- Ricotta Pancakes With Pineapple And Rum
Let me know what you think of this recipe.
Please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page if you made this amazing quince jam. Thanks for stopping by!
📋 Perfect quince jam
Equipment
- pot (double base)
- wooden spoon
- jars
- knife
- chopping board
- grater (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 kg quince (2.2 lb) cut around the core (do not peel)
- 500 g cane sugar (2.5 cups) or 2 cups honey *
- 230 ml water (1 cup)
- 2 med lemons juice and rind * see recipe notes
Instructions
- Wash, wipe, and sterilize the jars - see notes in the recipe on how to sterilize jars and the jar lids.
Make the syrup
- Add the water and the sugar to a pot and boil until the liquid becomes thicker. Boil for approximately 10 min on medium/high fire. Add the lemon juice and zest (from 1 lemon) as well as the quince seeds/peeps if you choose to add them too. Cut the other lemon into slices (halves or quarters) and add to the syrup too. Reduce the fire to low.
Preparing the quince
- Wash the quince and cut big chunks around the core. Chop the fruit and add to the syrup as you cut or grate the fruit. You can add the cut fruit to a bowl but you will need to be pretty swift as they do oxidate fairly fast getting a brownish flesh. You may add some lemon juice as you cut these to avoid color changing.
Making the quince jam
- Once the fruit is ready and cut into small and thinner chunks, add all to the syrup, increase the heat to medium/high, and boil the jam for approximately 20-25 minutes. Stir often to make sure it does not stick and the fruit cooks evenly - it will also help you get a feel for when the jam is ready to be jarred.
Test for readiness
- If you are not sure if the jam is ready or not, spoon some syrup out on a super cool plate- ideally kept in the freezer for at least 10-15 min. Give a minute or so for the jam/syrup to get completely cool and draw a line using a spoon or your finger in the middle of the syrup patch. If the patch remains separated, your jam is ready. If it reunites - you will need to continue boiling the jam for a little longer. Keep a close eye as it will very quickly caramelize towards the end of the process.
Ladling the jam into the sterilized jars
- When the jam is ready ladle this into the sterilized jars, seal, and place all jars in a corner somewhere where you will be able to cover all with a blanket. Keep covered until they have completely cooled. Store in a pantry room or cellar.
Notes
- Syrup - making the water and sugar syrup and then adding the fruit will save some of the vitamins and the jam will remain a beautiful vivid color too. I used brown sugar hence the color.
- Quince - you may cut the fruit ahead and add lemon juice to it to avoid oxidation
- Sugar - feel free to add more sugar if you wish especially if you make big batches and you will keep it for longer than 7-8 months.
- Yield - this recipe will yield approximately 6 jars of 200g or half a pint
- Honey - Substitute the sugar with honey - you can add and cook at a simmer point - do not get it to boiling point - it will be a runnier jam.
- Grated vs chopped - If you chop the quince (like I did) it will take a little longer but I like it this way - grated is my kid's favorite ( also a great version to use or add to cakes).
- The pot - I cannot stress enough the importance of the pot size you will need to use. This must have a large/wide bottom and the fruit should only cover the bottom for about ½ an inch - in other words, make small batches according to the size of your pan. The fruit will overcook otherwise.
Nutrition
Have you made it? Mention it @ramonas.cuisine or tag me #ramonascuisine, I would be so happy to hear from you!
Katherine Mackay says
Hi! Just wondering how long it keeps for? And if it needs to be stored in the fridge or is the pantry ok?
Ramona says
Hi Katherine,
If you make a bigger batch, I recommend adding some extra sugar. It can be stored in the pantry for years if the jar is sealed okay but once opened (if it lasts longer than 1 week) I would keep it refrigerated.
I do hope this answers your question but let me know if you need more advice on this.
Rose says
I have made this three times and I am getting better and better at it - brilliant flavours and the recipe is excellent! Thanks for sharing it Ramona!
Tressa says
Your recipe for quince jam is spot on. Exactly how I like it but I was never able to master it. I have made it a couple of times and the second time came out just perfect - I kept on stirring often and for that perfect consistency as you are right, a little overcooked and the sugar goes into a caramelised stage - fine line. Thanks a lot.
Ramona says
Thank you so much Tressa xx
Harry says
Do you take out the seeds/pipe, or do you just jar them up with the jelly? Are they nice to eat?
Ramona says
Hi Harry, and thanks for stopping by.
I personally always leave the seeds or the pips in because they rich in pectin. They don’t taste like much.
I love them but they might not be everybody’s cup of tea I guess so you could leave them in and see if you like them and next time take them out if you would rather not have them in 😊😉
I hope you enjoy the jam. Let me know how it all went for you 👍😋
Hayley Dhanecha says
Never had quince jam, looks so fantastic and tasty. Sharing this recipe with my mum, and asked her if she can find quince in the market, so want to make it. Thanks for sharing this unique recipe.
Kayla DiMaggio says
This quince jam was so perfect! I couldn't stop eating it!
Ramona says
Hahah, I have the same issue every time I go near it 😉
Jacqueline Debono says
I love quince and once had some quince jam that was amazing! It's not so eay to find quince here in Italy. But would definitely love to make this jam! It looks so good!
Erin says
This sounds great! I just need to find some quince. It sounds so flavorful!
Amanda Mason says
I have never even heard of quince fruit before but now I'm intrigued! I love making jams and jellies and when I ran upon this recipe I am now inspired to make this!! Looks amazing and easy!
Ramona says
Thanks Amanda! I just love this fruit, I am so surprised to see a lot of people (quite a few of my friends too) who have never heard of quince before. In some parts of the world, it might not exist I guess. It might be interesting to know if you do have them where you are and just didn't pay attention to them.
Healing Tomato says
I have never heard of quince or quince jam before. So, I am glad I stumbled here because I can't wait to try it. I love seeing unique ingredients on your blog.
Ramona says
Thanks, lovely! It would be great to know if you do have it where you are. Look out for it and I do hope you will find it.
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
I LOVE quince jam! It's pretty hard to find fruit so when I do find it, I buy a ton so I can make jam. Yours is so lovely and perfect for a charcuterie board, toast, ice cream, or just on a spoon!
I'm LOVING your pairing tips too!
Heather says
This sounds delish! I wanna make it and serve it with a cheese board.. can’t wait!
Colleen says
We do a lot of charcuterie and this quince jam will be so perfect for that! I hope I can find some quince, wish me luck!
Amanda says
This jam looks delicious! I bet the lemon adds the perfect fresh flavor, and it looks so simple to prepare.
Betsy Campbell-Craig says
Just made this quince jam and it’s absolutely delicious and so easy to make.I added as you suggested a vanilla pod to give it an exotic touch …I will be following your recipe and making this gorgeous quince jam every year.Thank you x
Ramona says
Thank you so much Betsy for your very kind feedback and for giving my recipe a try. It is my favourite jam I must say, my grandma's one was the best! This recipe has been made for decades in my family and I know it works. It is soo nice to hear you will be following my recipe from now on. It's like a virtual hug to me. Thank you again and I hope you will find other recipes to try and let me know the outcome 😉 xxx
Lara says
Quince is such a hard fruit to find recipes for! So happy to find this recipe. love all the details about eating it raw too!
Erin Gierhart says
I love this jam with cheese and crackers. It is so tasty!
Marcellina says
I adore quince but season is so quick I sometimes miss it and sadly it does grow in my area. But I only make poached quinces and this year when I did manage to purchase a few, I wanted to make jam or jelly. Unfortunately I couldn't find a good recipe. Definitely saving this recipe for next time!
Jessica Erin Halverstadt says
I've never had quince before but I love trying new things and am very intrigued by this recipe. If I can find some locally I will definitely be giving this a try.
Alexandra says
This quince jam is so delicious, and will make perfect gifts for the festive season. It is such a beautiful colour!
Bernice says
Thank you so much for all the great information on quince. I don't really know a lot about this fruit but my friend and green grocer says she'll be having some beautiful quince in soon so this is perfect timing!
Geetanjali Tung says
This quince jam sounds and looks delicious! I need to try this. Thanks for the recipe!
Linda says
This jam is a keeper! Can't wait to make another batch of this quince jam
Addie says
This jam is so easy to make and full of flavor. Delicious!
Agnieszka says
The jam came out perfect!
Jen says
Im thinking it will go well with my sourdough bread, I havent tried this before now Im keen making it.
Emily says
Oh yes, it goes really well with sourdough and maybe some cheese too! Enjoy!
NATALIA says
Great recipe! I've never made jam before, but decided to give it a try. It's not overly sweet and super yummy! My husband and kids love it! No more store-bought jam for us!
Chenée says
I can't wait to make this for the holidays! It'll be perfect on cheese boards and with toast!
Anaiah says
This quince jam turned out absolutely perfect! It was so easy to make and so delicious! I love having mine with pancakes for breakfast instead of using maple syrup. So yummy!
Amy Nash says
I saw quince at the farmer's market and didn't know what to make with it! I'm glad I picked it up anyway because this was such a tasty, easy little recipe! Thanks for explaining how to prepare it since it was my first time!
Moop Brown says
I'm not too familiar with quince but am intrigued to try it in this jam recipe.
Kathryn says
This sounds so delicious and I can't wait to make this jam. I will be adding this on top of brie cheese for a charcuterie board! I can't wait!
Veronika says
This jam looks absolutely delicious! I've never tried quince before but now want to taste it!
Marta says
An excellent spread on our morning toast. Added a great deal of flavor with just the right sweetness.
shelby says
I love how easy and simple this was to make. It was served as part of a charcuterie board for a small party and was a hit with everyone!
Cathleen says
Wow, this really does look perfect!! I have never tried quince, but I am definitely going to be on the lookout for it. Thank you so much for the recipe 🙂
Marysa says
I've never had quince jam before. Sounds delicious and it would be fun to make!
Amy says
You know, quince is the one fruit I have never actually tried raw as so many keep telling me it's not exactly the best tasting fruit. I do love quince in all it's other forms, especially quince paste with some yummy cheese! Decided I would try your recipe. Raw quince was not too bad BUT the jam.......yummmmm! That didn't last very long in our house!
Melinda says
What a perfectly lovely way to make homemade jam! So simple, yet this could easily be impressive enough for a special hostess gift. Thanks for sharing.
Addie says
This blog post is so thorough and detailed! Thank you for explaining the process of making jam!
Angela says
Hello,just unsure if you leave the seeds and eat them or if you strain them before adding the fruit?
Ramona says
Hi Angela
Thank you for stopping by.
I personally love the seeds they normally don’t make it to the jam 😀 I always eat them raw but it really depends. You can strain them if you don’t like seeds in general but if you don’t mind them then you can leave them in. It’s entirely up to you.
Also if I make this jam with the intention to give away some I’ll take the seeds out. 😉
Sally says
At what point do you take the seeds out?
Ramona says
Hi Sally,
You can fish them out just before jarring. I never do unless I make the jam to give it away - seeds may put people off - when I make the jam for us I never take them out, I love finding them 😉
Loreto and Nicoletta says
Nicoletta and I are huge fans of quince and make ham when we can get them. Thanks for reminding us how great this fruit us!👍👌😋❤️
Silvia says
I'm so happy I found this. I'm a big fan of quince, but I had never eaten it as jam. I had a few at home, and I follow your recipe, and wow, I loved it.
Leslie says
You have some great instructions and tips for this quince jam recipe. Quince will be a new flavor for me to enjoy! Thank you!
Moop Brown says
I love how simple and easy to make this recipe. I can already see this jam pairing well with a variety of dishes and meals.
Aditi Bahl says
loved this idea. I was going to make a charcuterie board for a gettogether and this sounds a lovely addition to the board.
Amy Nash says
I saw some quince at the farmer's market so I'm going to keep my eye out for it again and stock up to make this jam next time! It sounds delicious!
Veronika says
I've never tried quince before but this jam looks so delicious! I'll try to find this fruit at our local market and make this recipe 😉
Julia says
I've never had quince before so I went out and got some just for this recipe. This was so good on crispy plain crackers!
Heather says
Ooh I bet this would be delicious to serve with a charcuterie board! Sounds delicious and simple too!
Ramona says
Oh, it does, 100%!!
Linda says
I've never had quince but this jam sounds like one I would like. It sounds on the order of a marmalade. I like that this uses both the seeds and peel and less sugar than the norm. I so agree with you that most of the store-bought jams are way too full of sugar and preservatives so making it at home is a great option. Now I have to go find some quince!