Quince Lovers Will Adore This Recipe for Homemade Membrillo (2024)

FAQs

What is membrillo quince paste made of? ›

Quince cheese (also known as quince paste) is a sweet, thick jelly made of the pulp of the quince fruit. It is a common confection in several countries.

Wrap in parchment paper and store in an air tight container, and the quince paste will last easily for a year or two. Delicately sweet with a beautiful floral aroma to it, makes this paste a delicious accompaniment to cheese, crackers, as a spread or by itself as a sweet treat.

The Ins and Outs of Dulce de Membrillo: Quince Paste

Dulce de membrillo (or just membrillo) is a sweet, sticky, very thick jelly made from the fruit of the quince tree, and is a typical dessert eaten in Spain, although it is also served with toast at the breakfast table.

Membrillo may be stored refrigerated for up to three months safely.

Health Benefits of Quince

It's also a great source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The fruit contains tannins including catechin and epicatechin and has a very high concentration of vitamin C. Quince is also a good source of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and copper.

The quince (/ˈkwɪns/; Cydonia oblonga) is the sole member of the genus Cydonia in the Malinae subtribe (which also contains apples and pears, among other fruits) of the Rosaceae family. It is a deciduous tree that bears hard, aromatic bright golden-yellow pome fruit, similar in appearance to a pear.

It has a shelf life of one year opened or unopened. Sometimes the color darkens with age.

It is recommended to help stimulate the liver, and for problems related to vomiting and appetite. It has been widely used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Its high energetic qualities make it ideal for athletes, students, and people with high levels of physical stress.

You can tell if a quince has gone bad by its look, smell and feel. Quinces that have gone bad often have a dull appearance and lack vibrant yellow color. Moreover, fresh quinces have a rich and appealing aroma, so any off-putting smell is a clear sign that it's time to toss it.

Quince Paste, or Membrillo, is a sweet spread and a traditional Spanish Cheese Accompaniment. Spanish Quince Paste is typically paired with Spanish Cheeses such as Manchego, Mahon or Ronchal.

How do Mexicans eat membrillo? ›

In Spain, dulce de membrillo, as it is called there, is traditionally paired with aged Manchego cheese. In Mexico, where the fruit and the preserves are very popular, it is used as pastry fillings, perhaps in some nice empanadas. This preserve is much thicker than the average jam.

While quinces can be eaten raw, they are not often eaten raw due to their tartness and tough skin. Its flavor is compared to a combination of crisp pears and tart apples. Cooked quinces have a sweeter, more delicate flavor and a softer texture than raw quinces.

To serve, cut into squares or wedges and present with Manchego cheese.

Made from quince fruit, sugar, and lemon juice, Dulce de Membrillo has a unique flavor that is both sweet and tart. It is commonly served alongside cheese or bread as a snack or appetizer in Argentina.

As membrillo contains a lot of sugar, it may be kept in the fridge for a long time. However, as I in my recipe I reduced the quantity of sugar, I suggest to keep it well wrapped in the fridge for about 2 weeks, if you want to keep it longer, I suggest to freeze it.

To serve, cut into squares or wedges and present with Manchego cheese. To eat, take a small slice of the membrillo and spread it on top of a slice of the cheese. Store by wrapping in foil or plastic wrap, an keeping in the refrigerator.

Membrillo is the Spanish word for quince fruit; however, it is generally used interchangeably with the traditional fruit paste formally known as dulce de membrillo. Mitica membrillo is made with 100% Spanish fruit.

Enjoy membrillo—a sweet, sliceable quince paste—on your breakfast toast, as part of a charcuterie board, or on its own.