Spiced Poached Quince with Yoghurt

Quince is an old-fashioned fruit that deserves a comeback. It's hard and astringent when raw, but poached slowly with honey and cinnamon, it transforms into something deeply fragrant, soft, and rose-gold. It's a dessert that requires patience but rewards you with something truly special.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 2 large quince, peeled, cored, and quartered
• 500ml water
• 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 strip of lemon peel
• Greek yoghurt to serve

Method:

1. Put the quince, water, honey, cinnamon, and lemon peel in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook very gently for 1½–2 hours, until the quince is soft and has turned a deep rose colour. Add more water if it gets too dry.
3. Serve warm with a dollop of yoghurt.

Why it's gut-friendly: Quince is rich in pectin and fibre. Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory. Honey is antimicrobial. A traditional, gut-loving dessert.