Quince Paste

• Peel and core the quince.
• Cut into large wedges.
• Place the fruit in a pot and cover with water.
• Add the lemon juice.
• Bring the water to boil and cook the fruit until it's very soft.
• Drain and let cool for 5 minutes.
• Process the fruit in a food processor or blender until it is smooth, about the consistency of apple sauce.
• Measure the fruit and check if you have about 2 cups and place it in a heavy-bottomed pot.
• Add sugar equal to three-fourths of the amount of fruit and stir the sugar into the fruit. (If you have 2 cups of fruit, add 1 1/2 cups of sugar.)
• Add a pinch of salt.
• Bring the sugar and fruit to a low boil and simmer, stirring frequently, on low heat.
• Cook slowly, keeping the mixture barely at boil and stirring often to prevent burning, until the mixture thickens.
• Continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is a thick paste that stays together in a ball. The mixture should seem stretchy and almost dry. The fruit will change color and become a bright orange-red.
• Pour into a lightly oiled dish and let cool.
• Slice when firm.
• Fruit paste will keep for several weeks, covered, in the refrigerator.

Trivia

 Quince is small tree that can reach 16 to 26 feet in height. Quince develops simple, ovate leaves with smooth margins. They are pale green colored due to dense layer of white hairs on the surface.