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#1
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Japonica as a fruit
It's that time of year again .... Here is something that I have drafted. Comments appreciated, and anyone may use the text for any reasonable purpose. "Japonica" is the fruit of any of the Chaenomeles (usually C. speciosa, C. japonica or C. x superba, in the UK), also known as Japanese quince. The fruits are very hard and extremely sour, even when fully ripe (usually in October), and keep for ages - there are often some usable ones still lying on the ground in March. They have a lot of seeds, and removing them and the "toenails" is tedious. They are aromatic, but not nearly as much as the true quince (Cydonia oblonga). They are usually grown for their flowers, and are almost trouble-free, except for occasional fireblight. They are natural shrubs, often sucker readily, and dead branches should be cut out at or below ground level. They flower on old wood, but can get hacked back hard when they get out of hand. Established plants fruit readily, and few people use it, so asking for it from anyone with a japonica in their front garden who has not collected the fruit by November will usually be met by "take as much as you like". They can be used in most recipes instead of either apple or quince, but need more sugar for sweet ones. They do well instead of quince in Persian and Morrocan lamb dishes. They can be used from whenever they ripen onwards. They make a rock-hard jelly and fruit cheese; those will keep for many years, as they are very high in acid and pectin. Baked (whole, uncored) japonica is an interesting alternative to apple sauce to go with pork. Attempting to eat one raw is a memorable experience. The following recipes are recommended to people who think that most commercial chutneys and pickles are produced under licence from the recipe owner Wimps 'R' Us. Hot Japonica Chutney -------------------- This is adapted from David and Rose Maybey's recipe for apple chutney in Jams, Pickles and Chutneys. 3-4 pounds japonica, with seeds and "toenails" removed and cut into pieces; I don't feel that peeling them is necessary 2-3 pounds onions, coarsely chopped 1 pound sultanas or raisins Juice and grated rind of 2 lemons 1.5 pounds demerara sugar, though granulated will do 1 pint good malt vinegar Chopped chillis to taste Cook everything except the sugar gently until soft, add the sugar and continue until thick, then pot, cover and leave for a while before using. It just isn't feasible to advise on the number of chillis and whether to seed them first, as some people like just a hint of heat and others like something that takes the roof of your mouth. And, of course, chillis vary immensely. Start with a few, taste as you cook, and add more if you feel it needs them. Pickled Japonica ---------------- Peel and core some japonica, cut into slices, and loosely fill a jar. Make up a suitable white wine or cider vinegar mixture, bring to the boil and pour over the japonica. Cover and leave for a while before using. I used whatever spices took my fancy (e.g. a bit of mace), some chillis, very little salt and no sugar. Well, I liked them, but I regard lemons as a table fruit, jalapenos as a vegetable and have low salt-tolerance. Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
#3
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Japonica as a fruit
In article ,
Sacha wrote: Interesting, useful andinformative! Is it goint to be added to the FAQs? We often get people enquiring about the differences between the two quinces. Thanks! It could be, which is why I added the paragraph at the beginning. I could add a short paragraph on what a true quince is like. Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
#4
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Japonica as a fruit
On 2009-10-04 13:24:56 +0100, said:
In article , Sacha wrote: Interesting, useful andinformative! Is it goint to be added to the FAQs? We often get people enquiring about the differences between the two quinces. Thanks! It could be, which is why I added the paragraph at the beginning. I could add a short paragraph on what a true quince is like. Regards, Nick Maclaren. Good thinking, Batman. ;-) And while on the FAQ subject, do you think it would be a good idea to make a small addition to your compost FAQ about the slow release fertiliser pellets found in commercial compost used in nurseries and gcs? Again, it's something that comes up from time to time here with newcomers wondering what they are and worrying that they're insect eggs. And also - perhaps - a bit about the problems of weed killer in horse and cow manure? Up to you, naturally. -- Sacha www.hillhousenursery.com Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics. South Devon |
#5
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Japonica as a fruit
In article ,
Sacha wrote: Good thinking, Batman. ;-) And while on the FAQ subject, do you think it would be a good idea to make a small addition to your compost FAQ about the slow release fertiliser pellets found in commercial compost used in nurseries and gcs? Again, it's something that comes up from time to time here with newcomers wondering what they are and worrying that they're insect eggs. And also - perhaps - a bit about the problems of weed killer in horse and cow manure? Up to you, naturally. Good points. Who's maintaining it? I have lost track. Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
#6
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Japonica as a fruit
On 2009-10-04 15:04:13 +0100, said:
In article , Sacha wrote: Good thinking, Batman. ;-) And while on the FAQ subject, do you think it would be a good idea to make a small addition to your compost FAQ about the slow release fertiliser pellets found in commercial compost used in nurseries and gcs? Again, it's something that comes up from time to time here with newcomers wondering what they are and worrying that they're insect eggs. And also - perhaps - a bit about the problems of weed killer in horse and cow manure? Up to you, naturally. Good points. Who's maintaining it? I have lost track. Regards, Nick Maclaren. David Rance has bravely taken on that mantle assisted by his er, assistant! -- Sacha www.hillhousenursery.com Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics. South Devon |
#7
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Japonica as a fruit
"Sacha" wrote in message ... On 2009-10-04 15:04:13 +0100, said: In article , Sacha wrote: Good thinking, Batman. ;-) And while on the FAQ subject, do you think it would be a good idea to make a small addition to your compost FAQ about the slow release fertiliser pellets found in commercial compost used in nurseries and gcs? Again, it's something that comes up from time to time here with newcomers wondering what they are and worrying that they're insect eggs. And also - perhaps - a bit about the problems of weed killer in horse and cow manure? Up to you, naturally. Good points. Who's maintaining it? I have lost track. Regards, Nick Maclaren. David Rance has bravely taken on that mantle assisted by his er, assistant! -- OK Sacha I did see this and will attend to it shortly... |
#8
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Japonica as a fruit
On Sun, 4 Oct 2009 Sacha wrote:
On 2009-10-04 15:04:13 +0100, said: In article , Sacha wrote: Good thinking, Batman. ;-) And while on the FAQ subject, do you think it would be a good idea to make a small addition to your compost FAQ about the slow release fertiliser pellets found in commercial compost used in nurseries and gcs? Again, it's something that comes up from time to time here with newcomers wondering what they are and worrying that they're insect eggs. And also - perhaps - a bit about the problems of weed killer in horse and cow manure? Up to you, naturally. Good points. Who's maintaining it? I have lost track. David Rance has bravely taken on that mantle assisted by his er, assistant! Yes well, just let me have any updates and I'll add them. David -- David Rance writing from Caversham, Reading, UK http://rance.org.uk |
#9
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Japonica as a fruit
"RG" wrote in message ... "Sacha" wrote in message ... On 2009-10-04 15:04:13 +0100, said: In article , Sacha wrote: Good thinking, Batman. ;-) And while on the FAQ subject, do you think it would be a good idea to make a small addition to your compost FAQ about the slow release fertiliser pellets found in commercial compost used in nurseries and gcs? Again, it's something that comes up from time to time here with newcomers wondering what they are and worrying that they're insect eggs. And also - perhaps - a bit about the problems of weed killer in horse and cow manure? Up to you, naturally. Good points. Who's maintaining it? I have lost track. Regards, Nick Maclaren. David Rance has bravely taken on that mantle assisted by his er, assistant! -- Nick, I have created a new page with your text. Could you check it please? One small suggestion from me - would it be better to start the introduction as "Japonica" is the plant or fruit of..." ? Please suggest some text for the compost addition and I will insert it. http://www.u-r-g.co.uk/urgfaqs.htm RG |
#10
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Japonica as a fruit
In article ,
RG wrote: Nick, I have created a new page with your text. Could you check it please? One small suggestion from me - would it be better to start the introduction as "Japonica" is the plant or fruit of..." ? Oops. Race condition. I have redrafted it enirely to clarify what is going on - mainly the relationship between true quince and others. Could you send me some Email, so I can respond directly? My Email address is real. Please suggest some text for the compost addition and I will insert it. Got that. I will do that at the same time. Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
#11
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Japonica as a fruit
On 2009-10-05 10:22:01 +0100, "RG" said:
"Sacha" wrote in message ... On 2009-10-04 15:04:13 +0100, said: In article , Sacha wrote: Good thinking, Batman. ;-) And while on the FAQ subject, do you think it would be a good idea to make a small addition to your compost FAQ about the slow release fertiliser pellets found in commercial compost used in nurseries and gcs? Again, it's something that comes up from time to time here with newcomers wondering what they are and worrying that they're insect eggs. And also - perhaps - a bit about the problems of weed killer in horse and cow manure? Up to you, naturally. Good points. Who's maintaining it? I have lost track. Regards, Nick Maclaren. David Rance has bravely taken on that mantle assisted by his er, assistant! -- OK Sacha I did see this and will attend to it shortly... And here am I trying to be discreet and tactful. Ah well - another exam failed. ;-)) -- Sacha |
#12
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Japonica as a fruit
"Sacha" wrote in message ... On 2009-10-05 10:22:01 +0100, "RG" said: "Sacha" wrote in message ... On 2009-10-04 15:04:13 +0100, said: In article , Sacha wrote: Good thinking, Batman. ;-) And while on the FAQ subject, do you think it would be a good idea to make a small addition to your compost FAQ about the slow release fertiliser pellets found in commercial compost used in nurseries and gcs? Again, it's something that comes up from time to time here with newcomers wondering what they are and worrying that they're insect eggs. And also - perhaps - a bit about the problems of weed killer in horse and cow manure? Up to you, naturally. Good points. Who's maintaining it? I have lost track. Regards, Nick Maclaren. David Rance has bravely taken on that mantle assisted by his er, assistant! -- OK Sacha I did see this and will attend to it shortly... And here am I trying to be discreet and tactful. Ah well - another exam failed. ;-)) -- No worries! When you *really* upset me I'll set my Spider on you |
#13
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Japonica as a fruit
On 2009-10-05 20:51:35 +0100, "RG" said:
"Sacha" wrote in message ... On 2009-10-05 10:22:01 +0100, "RG" said: "Sacha" wrote in message ... On 2009-10-04 15:04:13 +0100, said: In article , Sacha wrote: Good thinking, Batman. ;-) And while on the FAQ subject, do you think it would be a good idea to make a small addition to your compost FAQ about the slow release fertiliser pellets found in commercial compost used in nurseries and gcs? Again, it's something that comes up from time to time here with newcomers wondering what they are and worrying that they're insect eggs. And also - perhaps - a bit about the problems of weed killer in horse and cow manure? Up to you, naturally. Good points. Who's maintaining it? I have lost track. Regards, Nick Maclaren. David Rance has bravely taken on that mantle assisted by his er, assistant! -- OK Sacha I did see this and will attend to it shortly... And here am I trying to be discreet and tactful. Ah well - another exam failed. ;-)) -- No worries! When you *really* upset me I'll set my Spider on you HA! I read only yesterday that putting conkers on window sills keeps spiders at bay! For Spiders I may have to lug half a branch indoors - but then I wouldn't want to keep that Spider at bay. ;-) -- Sacha www.hillhousenursery.com Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics. South Devon |
#14
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Japonica as a fruit
wrote in message ... In article , RG wrote: Nick, I have created a new page with your text. Could you check it please? One small suggestion from me - would it be better to start the introduction as "Japonica" is the plant or fruit of..." ? Oops. Race condition. I have redrafted it enirely to clarify what is going on - mainly the relationship between true quince and others. Could you send me some Email, so I can respond directly? My Email address is real. Please suggest some text for the compost addition and I will insert it. Got that. I will do that at the same time. Revised FAQs for Japonica and Compost now uploaded. http://www.u-r-g.co.uk/urgfaqs.htm RG |
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