Quince Quest: A New Yorker's Odyssey
So, you want to find a quince in New York City? Brave soul. You're basically searching for the Holy Grail of fruits in a concrete jungle. But fear not, intrepid explorer, I'm here to guide you on your quest.
The Quince: A Golden El Dorado
Let's talk about this mysterious fruit first. It's like an apple's grumpy, hard-to-please cousin. Green and tough on the outside, sweet and fragrant on the inside once cooked. It's the underdog of the fruit world, and we're here to give it some love.
Where to Find This Elusive Fruit?
Your Local Greenmarket: This is your best bet, especially during the fall. These markets are a treasure trove of unusual produce. Think of it as a real-life Where's Waldo but with fruits. You might stumble upon a vendor with a crate full of these golden nuggets. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny.
Specialty Grocery Stores: Places like Fairway, Whole Foods, or even some of the high-end gourmet shops might carry quince, but don't count on it. It's more like a lucky dip.
Online Ordering: If you're feeling lazy (or just really desperate), there are online services that can deliver quince right to your doorstep. But let's be honest, half the fun is the hunt.
Tips for the Quince Quest
- Be Prepared to Bargain: If you find a vendor selling quince, don't be afraid to haggle. You never know, you might just get a better deal.
- Ask Around: Talk to other foodies, chefs, or even your local bodega owner. You might be surprised who knows where to find this elusive fruit.
- Grow Your Own: If all else fails, consider growing your own quince tree. It's a long-term investment, but the reward is homegrown quince.
How to...
- How to Choose a Ripe Quince: Look for a deep golden color and a firm but slightly yielding fruit.
- How to Prepare Quince: Quince needs to be cooked before eating. It can be baked, poached, or made into jams, jellies, and pastes.
- How to Store Quince: Unripe quince can be stored at room temperature for a few days. Once ripe, refrigerate and use within a few days.
- How to Use Quince: The possibilities are endless! Try quince paste on toast, quince jam with cheese, or quince poached in red wine.
- How to Make Quince Paste: This is a traditional way to preserve quince. It's time-consuming but worth it.
So, there you have it. Your quest for the perfect quince begins now. Happy hunting!