
September 13, 2019
I received an e-mail
from Nativa, a
beautiful line of Fair
Trade clothes from
Mexico. They are
celebrating September
16, and mention
nopales and quince in a
fashion color context.
I had not thought about
quince (membrillo) for
years.
Mis Abuelitos had an
árbol de membrillo in
their backyard on Apple
Street in Huron,
California. I recall the
little blooms, their
fuzzy skin and sweet
scent of pineapple.
As a child I didn’t
understand them; it
wasn’t a pear nor an
apple. I didn’t like the
astringent flavor
and I didn’t see any
redeeming quality in
them since I couldn’t
eat them right off the
tree, like other fruits.
They were deceiving.
But, when Mi Abuelita,
Elena and Aunt Lupe
made quince jelly. I’d go
crazy for it. The jelly
and paste were our
candy and such a treat
as children, incredibly I
still find that same joy
as a grown woman.
They would buy the
quince paste at the
Mexican markets in
Fresno or they would
bring back from Mexico
on there occasional
trips.
It is sweet and tart at
the same time. It
wasn’t until much later
I had it paired with
Manchego cheese, a
Spanish cheese made
from unpasteurized
sheep’s milk and one
of my favorites. It is the
perfect marriage of
balance.
I recall in the wine
industry, Manchego
cheese and Cajeta de
Membrillo were a
common pairing at Hug Cellars
and other wine events.
Enjoy,
Thank You, Father
Abrazos y Besos
A fantastic read. Thank you and God Bless
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Thank you, Burt.
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