Back in 2010 we planted a young quince tree. I wrote a blog post about it here.
Twelve years on and our little quince tree now looks like this.
This year it has provided us with a bumper harvest. Last week, we decided to pick as many fruits as we could as we didn’t want to leave fruit to rot on the tree. We knew that the tree was loaded with fruit but what we didn’t expect was the fill our barrow and several buckets with fruit. This was on top of the several buckets that we had already picked.
We made a video of how we make a quince compote here.
This year we have harvested 87 kg (192lb) of quince. We’ve managed to give some away but I get blank looks when I ask people if they like quinces.
As well as harvesting quince, last week we harvested some cauliflowers, some courgettes, cabbage and our first leeks of the season. I would have expected the courgettes to be over and cleared away by now.
One of the cauliflowers was a bonus as it was a second flower from a plant that a cauliflower had already been harvested from.
Most mornings, last week, were dull and wet but the rain cleared up during most afternoons and we were even treated to some sunshine.
As well as doing some harvesting we also managed to tidy a couple of long beds. The one on the right has been dug over. Even after all the rain the ground was surprisingly diggable. The bed on the left has just had the weeds cleared and is waiting to be dug.
I weeded the end of the bed containing the leeks. This patch had hosted onions that were harvested some time ago. The area had been taken over by self sown cerinthe. I left a few plants at the end of the bed where they won’t be in the way when we are planting next year. We had a large clump of self sown cerinthe last year which provided the bees with an early supply of nectar.
The toadstools dotted in the grass are a sign that our drought is over.
The allotment has been relegated on our list of priorities with the top spot being to make sure that Ruby doesn’t miss out on her exercise. The rain and the fact that now the clocks have been put back, we have fewer hours of daylight mean that we have to fit walks in when we can.
At Nostell, now that most of the brood have left the lake, the parent swans are now enjoying a bit of rest and relaxation.
Just one young swan remains but it is no longer hanging about with mum and dad.
Ruby sits very patiently whilst we are taking photographs and keeps interested by keeping a close eye on everything that is going on.
The autumn colours are increasing in beauty and the ground is carpeted by fallen leaves. Ruby has perfected the art of photo bombing.
Some of last week’s meals that used our vegetables were firstly a turkey cottage pie which used some of our carrots, onions, leeks, potatoes, fresh thyme and some of our frozen peas.
Some of our potatoes and garlic were used in a chickpea and quinoa dish. It didn’t look anything like the picture with the recipe. It may not be as photogenic but tasted good.
Martyn made a pizza topped with some of our tomatoes, onions and frozen peppers. The pizza was unexpectedly spicy as I accidentally got some frozen red chilli from the freezer instead of some red pepper. We enjoyed it though.
Finally, I made a chicken spaghetti bolognese dish using some of our onions and garlic
As always until next time stay safe and well.
I am once again linking to Harvest Monday at Dave’s Our Happy Acres blog.
Aah, I just read your original post. What a difference 12 years makes!
In more ways than one, Belinda
I’m wondering what raw quinces taste like. Are they similar to pears or in the family? Compotes are a good solution to an abundance of fruit.
Quinces can’t be eaten raw. Sue. I’ve never tried but raw quinces are very sour. The uncooked flesh is very tough. They are related to apples and pears but don’t taste like either – the flavour is unique and you either like it or hate it.
Mmm, that all looks delicious. And my, what a big quince harvest. I bet the WI would welcome some quinces if you could find them. I used to have massive harvests of gooseberries and blackcurrants when I had my allotment plot. More than I needed really, although I used to get through most of them in the end. Ruby is such a sweetie, and Nostell is looking beautiful in its autumn colours.
Our blackcurrants need sorting out, CJ. The bed has become very overgrown and we haven’t had any fruit off them this year. There may have been fruit but either the birds had it or it was hidden in the mess.
That is nothing short of an amazing bumper crop of quince. After my experience selling Quince jam in the National Trust, I think the country might be divided in two over quince: those who know what they are and those who’ve never heard of them. When I have a moment, I’m going to pop over and watch your video of you making your preserves.
I think the country is also divided on whether they like the taste it hate it Deb
That is a lot of quinces! I’m guessing you would get a blank look here too if you mentioned them. I can only hope our persimmon tree is half that productive when it is that age.
I really like persimmons, Dave. It’s another fruit that lots of people are unfamiliar with.