When are quinces ripe?

[Northumbrian]

For the first time in many years, my japanese quince has fruited bountifully. I have recipes for jelly and marmalade, but how can I judge when the fruit is ripe? My apples and plums are now ready but the quinces are still as hard as billiard balls. As an afterthought, are the results likely to be worth the effort?

[Kleiber]

Quinces don't soften when they're ripe, unlike other fruits, so you have to go by the colour. When they become yellow, they're ripe. Japanese quinces are much smaller than the European quince, (which is about the size of a large pear) and don't have such good setting properties if you make jam or jelly with them. Having said that, you still can - just add some crab apples or cooking apples to the quince. Quince jelly is absolutely wonderful, but I've only ever made it with big quinces & not the Japanese variety.

[Northumbrian]

Thank you, Kleiber. I'll give it a try.

[Kleiber]

You're welcome!