Japanese Quince: the Northern Lemon
Japanese Quince: the Northern Lemon
From Japan's hillsides to Latvian gardens — the fruit that replaced citrus in the North.
The Japanese quince is a low, thorny shrub that began its journey in the remote corners of Japan and travelled across the world into European gardens. It found an unlikely second home in Latvia, where it thrives in the fertile soil and cool climate. Here it earned a nickname that says everything about how it's used: the northern lemon.
What's inside
The nickname is deserved. Japanese quince is naturally high in vitamin C — which contributes to normal immune function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue — and provides B-group vitamins along with minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron. Its intense natural acidity is exactly what makes it such a good replacement for citrus in northern kitchens.
How it tastes
Bright, aromatic, unmistakably tart — with subtle notes of citrus and spice that no other local fruit offers. As a syrup it becomes an elegant sweet-and-sour cordial; as dried sweetened pieces, it keeps a slightly firm bite and a perfume that lingers.