Quince, the perfume of Menorcan autumn

With the arrival of autumn, quinces return to Menorcan markets and kitchens. This rustic-looking fruit with its intense aroma has long been a symbol of the island’s traditional cuisine. In former times, it was used in noble households to accompany meats such as pork or poultry, adding a sweet and fragrant note to refined dishes. Over time, quince became the essence of the beloved quince paste, that thick, amber preserve that lasts through winter, pairing perfectly with cheese or enjoyed on its own as a pantry treasure. When baked in the oven, quinces release a distinctive, warm aroma that fills the house with the scent of autumn. Menorca, with its cuisine steeped in tradition and memory, continues to celebrate this fruit that brings together fragrance, nostalgia, and sweetness from another era.