Quince and Honey Marmalade

There’s something incredibly magical about making your own marmalade, especially when it’s made with the fragrant, slightly floral sweetness of quince and the natural goodness of honey. Quince, often overlooked in the fruit world, has a subtle tartness that balances beautifully with honey’s smooth sweetness. The result? A marmalade that’s perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on scones, or even spooning over yogurt for a sweet and tangy treat. Trust me, once you taste this Quince and Honey Marmalade, you’ll wonder why you never made it sooner.

This marmalade is a true labor of love—slow-cooked to perfection, with the bright, aromatic flavor of quince shining through. It’s the kind of preserve that makes your kitchen smell like a warm hug, with the rich fragrance of cooking fruit filling the air. It’s simple, natural, and absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love Quince and Honey Marmalade

Let me give you a few reasons why this marmalade is going to become your new go-to:

Naturally Sweet and Tangy:

The unique flavor of quince brings a wonderful tartness that’s mellowed out by the honey, making this marmalade the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It’s like sunshine in a jar!

Simple Ingredients:

With just a few basic ingredients—quince, honey, lemon, and a bit of sugar—you’ll be able to make this beautiful marmalade from scratch. The best part? No preservatives or artificial flavors, just pure, wholesome goodness.

Versatile:

This marmalade isn’t just for toast! Use it as a topping for pancakes, swirled into oatmeal, or as a filling for pastries. It’s a versatile, flavorful addition to your kitchen arsenal.

Perfect for Gift-Giving:

Homemade preserves are always a thoughtful gift, and this quince and honey marmalade makes for a stunning jar of homemade joy. Imagine gifting a friend or loved one a jar of this sweet, tangy goodness—it’s sure to brighten their day!

Long-Lasting:

Once made, this marmalade can be stored for months, which means you can enjoy that fresh, fruity flavor all year long. It’s also a fantastic way to preserve quince when it’s in season, so you can enjoy its flavor well into the colder months.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible quince and honey marmalade:

• Quince: The star of the show, with its sweet-tart flavor and wonderfully fragrant aroma.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that complements the quince perfectly, adding depth and richness to the marmalade.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Lemon adds a bright, zesty kick to balance the sweetness of the honey and quince. The zest brings a wonderful aromatic depth to the marmalade.
• Sugar: A little sugar helps the marmalade set and enhances the natural sweetness of the quince.
• Water: To help cook the fruit down into a beautiful, spreadable consistency.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Making marmalade might sound like a big task, but with just a few easy steps, you’ll be savoring the results in no time. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Quince

Start by washing and peeling the quinces. They can be a bit tough, so use a sharp knife to peel and core them. After removing the seeds, chop the quince into small chunks. Don’t throw away the cores and seeds—set them aside as they contain natural pectin, which will help the marmalade set.

Step 2: Cook the Quince

Place the chopped quince and the reserved cores/seeds into a large pot. Add enough water to just cover the fruit. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the quince softens and turns a lovely golden color.

Step 3: Strain the Pectin

Once the quince has softened, carefully strain the liquid from the pot to remove the seeds and cores. You should be left with a lovely, golden quince-infused water that’s packed with natural pectin.

Step 4: Add the Sweeteners

Return the quince-infused liquid to the pot and add the honey, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir to combine, making sure the sugar dissolves completely. You’ll want to bring this mixture to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer to Set

Let the marmalade simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally. As it cooks, the mixture will thicken and become syrupy. You’ll know it’s ready when a small spoonful placed on a cold plate sets to a gel-like consistency (you can do the “plate test” by chilling a plate in the freezer beforehand and testing a drop of marmalade).

Step 6: Jar the Marmalade

Once the marmalade has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Pour the hot marmalade into sterilized jars, making sure to leave a little space at the top. Seal the jars tightly.

Step 7: Let it Set

Allow the marmalade to cool completely before storing. It may take a few hours to set fully, but the result will be a thick, glossy, sweet and tangy marmalade that’s absolutely perfect.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Now you’ve got a jar full of sweet, tangy, and aromatic marmalade that’s ready to enjoy! Spread it on toast, add it to baked goods, or serve it with cheese and crackers for a delightful treat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 70
Total Fat: 0g

• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 0mg
  Sodium: 0mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 19g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 17g
  Protein: 0g
  Vitamin A: 0% DV
  Vitamin C: 10% DV
  Calcium: 1% DV
  Iron: 1% DV

How to Serve Quince and Honey Marmalade

Here are some delicious ways to serve and enjoy your homemade quince and honey marmalade:

On Toast or Scones:

This marmalade is a classic topping for buttered toast or warm scones. The sweet-tart flavor pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or snack.

With Cheese:

Spread a spoonful of quince and honey marmalade on a cracker or a slice of bread and top it with creamy goat cheese, brie, or sharp cheddar. The combination of flavors will blow your mind!

In Desserts:

Use this marmalade as a filling for pastries, tarts, or cakes. It’s especially delicious when paired with buttery dough or as a topping for a cheesecake.

On Pancakes or Waffles:

Drizzle this marmalade over your pancakes or waffles for a sweet and tangy twist on a classic breakfast.

As a Gift:

Pack the marmalade into cute jars, tie a ribbon around the lid, and voilà—you’ve got the perfect homemade gift for any occasion. It’s always a hit with family and friends!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make the most of your quince and honey marmalade:

• Make it Ahead: Marmalade gets even better with time. Feel free to make a batch and store it in the fridge for up to 6 months. It will only get more flavorful as it sits.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your marmalade sweeter or less sweet, adjust the amount of honey and sugar to your taste. You can also swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a different flavor profile.
• Add Spices: If you want to add a little extra warmth, try stirring in some cinnamon, cloves, or ginger while the marmalade simmers.
• Use Pectin: If you’re short on time or want a quicker set, you can use store-bought pectin to speed up the process. Just follow the instructions on the package.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other fruits in this marmalade?
A1: Yes! While quince is the star of this recipe, you can swap it out for apples or pears. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change slightly.

Q2: Can I make this marmalade without honey?
A2: Absolutely! You can use regular sugar instead of honey if you prefer a more traditional marmalade flavor.

Q3: How do I know when the marmalade is ready?
A3: The “plate test” is a great way to check. Simply place a spoonful of marmalade on a chilled plate, let it cool, then run your finger through it. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s ready!

Q4: Can I store this marmalade in the freezer?
A4: Yes! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to a year. Just let it thaw before using.

Q5: How do I sterilize jars for canning?
A5: To sterilize jars, place them in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes or run them through the dishwasher. Make sure the jars are dry before filling them with marmalade.

Q6: Can I adjust the tartness?
A6: Yes! If you like a more tart marmalade, you can add a little extra lemon juice or use slightly under-ripe quinces for a sharper flavor.

Q7: How long does this marmalade last?
A7: When stored properly in a sealed jar, this marmalade can last up to 6 months in the fridge.

Q8: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A8: Yes! Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to make it vegan-friendly.

Q9: What’s the best way to serve this marmalade at a brunch?
A9: Serve it alongside a variety of breads, croissants, and fresh fruit. It’s also great with soft cheeses or as a spread for muffins and scones.

Q10: Can I add spices to the marmalade?
A10: Absolutely! Cinnamon, cloves, or even a bit of ginger can add a warm, comforting twist to the marmalade. Experiment and find your perfect flavor!

Conclusion

There you have it—Quince and Honey Marmalade that’s as delicious as it is fragrant. This is a spread that will make your mornings brighter, your snacks more exciting, and your desserts more indulgent. With its perfect balance of sweetness and tang, this marmalade is sure to become a pantry favorite in no time. Give it a try, and let the sweet, comforting flavors fill your kitchen!

Print