Marmelo – Traditional Portuguese Quince Jam

Instructions

1. In a large non-stick pan, place boiling water and add the quince. Make sure that the water covers the quince. Cook under a medium heat for about an hour. Occasionally, turn over with some tongues. The quince should start to discolour.
2. Preheat the oven to gas mark 100 degrees.
3. Take an ovenproof dish and place baking paper. Remove the quince from the pan and lie on top of the baking paper. Do not discard the boiled water, which can be set aside.
4. Roast the quince in the oven for about two hours. The quinces will start to turn a rich redish brown colour.
5. Remove the quince from the oven and allow to cool.
6. Once the quince is cool enough to handle, quarter and remove the seeds.

Top tip – other than removing the seeds, I do not core, as it adds to the grainy soft texture that I like with this jam.

7. Place the quince in a large non-stick pan with the sugar and measure in 200ml of the previously boiled water.
8. Cook the quince under a low medium heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

Top tip – I don’t like my recipes to be too sugary and this jam is no exception. If you do prefer to add more sugar, do so for your own tastebuds.

9. Ensure that the jam jars to be used have been steralised, washed and boiled in boiling water. Leave to one side covered.
10. In the absence of a jam funnel, use a slotted spoon to place the Marmelo in the jam jars. Seal and place in a dry dark cupboard for about a month to allow the flavours to really meld.
11. Serve as required with slices of toast or bread.