For the love of Quince.

The lovely lil big Quince which I have just discovered, has become my new favorite winter fruit.

Quince is a 4,000 year old native fruit to Asia and the Mediterranean. Now it can also be found growing all over the world. A cross between a apple and a pear, this hard bodied big fruit will give you some of the most delicious treats your tongue has ever laid taste on.

In the raw form , a Quince is hard, rough, astringent and very tart. 

But thanks to the astringent tingle, it a great fruit to cook down for baking. Being so tart, it is high in pectin so expect a great jelly and jam dish for your winter delights. In the Middle East, the dried pits are submerged in hot water, and used medicinally to treat sore throats and relieve coughs.

At Magpie cafe , we are sourcing our Organic Quince from Kingbird Farms in Galt, Ca.

Check out our menu. You can find Quince Tarts, Pumpkin Pecan Toast with Quince Jam, and Braised Pork Shoulder with Quince.

Superstition has it that quince seed makes an excellent love charm.

 Sweet flavors to savor.

When shopping for Quince, buy organic. The delicate, thin skinned fruit can soak up pesticides very easily and compromise taste and cooking ability .

Roman author and naturalist, 'Pliny the Elder'  mentions quince as an effective deterrent from the 'evil eye' when carried on one's person.

In Greece, brides ate quince to sweeten their breath for their new husband. In this region, the fruit represents fertility, love, and a long happy marriage.

Easy and fun recipe for your first go at Quince Jam!

Listening to, Mountain Man

Eating, Dark Chocolate and Mint