Karin, Japanese Quince

Monday was a warm and sunny day in the Kanto area, perfect for strolling in the botanical garden down the street. 

I spied this twiggy tree laden with fruit. The fruit have a peculiar habit of not hanging but projecting at odd angles from the branches. The tag at the base of the trunk indicated カリン karin, Japanese quince. October and November is when the fruit mature. The fruits are surprisingly large,  about 12 cm long.

This was the first time I’d seen the fruit on the branch. I’d only ever tasted the flavor in candies and preserves. Karin slices are often preserved in honey, and then served in hot water as a winter drink. Another way to preserve them is in liquor to make karin shu.

If I can get my mitts on some, I’ll try my hand at preserves.