MITICA MEMBRILLO (QUINCE PASTE)

10 OZ / pack of 12

Mitica membrillo or quince paste is handmade in Spain using only three ingredients - quince, sugar & lemon.

ORIGIN: Valencia, Spain 

INGREDIENTS: Quince paste, sugar, lemon 

PACK SIZE: 12/10 oz retail; 2.25 kg bulk

FLAVOR: The naturally sweet-tart flavor of quince (reminiscent of apples  and pears) enhanced with a touch of sugar and lemon to preserve a bright, fresh flavor.

DESCRIPTION: Historically, quince has been a symbol of both good luck and fertility and was favored among many aristocrats and monarchs. But their real magic lies in the kitchen; their lovely flavor is only released upon cooking the fruit with sugar for many hours, creating soft, sweet, and fragrant membrillo or jam. The first written mention of membrillo is the 5th century, in the Roman cookbook of Apicius, who stewed quince fruit with honey, and has since become a staple of Spanish cuisine.

Produced by Paiarrop in Valencia, Mitica® membrillo contains only three ingredients: quince (a relative of the apple and the pear), sugar and lemon, cooked to a reddish paste. The naturally high pectin content in the Valencian quince gives the paste its firm and jelly-like texture. 

SERVING RECS: Any salty or blue cheese pairs well with membrillo. Traditionally, the Spanish pair sliced Membrillo with aged sheep’s milk cheese such as Manchego, Zamorano, Idiazabal and Roncal. It can also be used in baking and as an all natural, fruit-based dessert for those sensitive to wheat and nuts.