Quinces Like You’ve Never Used Them Before!
Quinces are so in season right now, yet still so understated.
Picked fresh from a neighbourhood tree, their golden skin and soft fragrance bring warmth to cool autumn days. Here are two simple ways to use quince slices to scent your home naturally.
A lavender and quince scented sachet
A quince potpourri
Before we get into these scented recipes, here is the process I used to dry quince slices.
It is a simple process, but it does require a little patience as quince takes time to dry fully.
How to Dry Quince Slices ( Step by Step)
1. SLICE THE QUINCE
Carefully slide the quince into thin rounds. The fruit is firm, so use a sharp knife and cut slowly.
2. LET THE SLICES AIR DRY - POST 24H
Spread the slices on a plate or tray and leave them in a dry air spot for 24 hours or so
NOTE: The white patches you see here are crystallised sugar, not mould. If your slices ever turn puffy or fuzzy that’s a sign of mould and in that case it is best to discard them.
3. OVEN-DRY TO REMOVE MOISTURE
Bake the slices at low heat (around 100 C) for a couple hours to help them dry evenly and prevent mould. You can do it just after slicing them.
Here I baked them 45min to prevent mould and decide to let it dry naturally.
4. LEAVE IT TO FINISH DRYING (1-2 WEEKS)
Let the slices rest for a week or more until they are completely dry and slightly crisp
Once our quince slides are fully dry, sort them by size: select the larget slices for the potpourri and the smaller bits for the scented sachet.
Simple Dried Quince Potpourri
What You’ll Need:
Larger dried quince slides
5-7 anise pods
1 cinnamon stick
Essential oil - You can choose Rose, Bergamot or Vanilla
A ramekin
A few dried rose petals (optional)
How to make:
1. Start placing the dried quince slices in a decorative bowl or shallow dish.
2. Tuck the star anise pods (they also look decorative).
3. Add cinnamon stick if you like.
4. Add a a couple drops of your chosen essential oil on some of the quince slices - they absorb oil beautifully.
You’ll have a lovely mix of fruit + spice + floral fragrance if you opt for the rose scent.
I placed that small bowl in the bathroom and can lovely by a sunny the window to release naturally the scent especially from the anise pods!
Scented Quince sachet
What You’ll Need:
Small dried quince pieces (a handful)
2 tablespoon dried lavender buds ( I got French lavender back home )
3-4 drops of essential oil (Sweet Orange or Bergamot are perfect
How to make:
Put quince pieces and lavender buds into your little fabric bag.
Add 3-4 drops of essential oil onto the quince slices so the scent clings to the fruit rather than staining the fabric
Close the bag and give it a shake.
That’s it ! fruity, floral, a bit citrusy. Ideal to tuck into a drawer, wardrobe or even under a pillow for a gentle scent.
If you’ve tried a quicker way to dry quince… eventually with an air fryer, I’d love to hear how it worked for you!
