Over the past three years, we have told the story of Frank’s Quince Tree.
The tree has been loved for many years by its owner Frank and his neighbours. However, like his tree, Frank is getting older and looking after his tree or making quince paste is becoming more difficult. Not wanting to see his tree neglected or the delicious fruit wasted, over the past three years with the help of Nicole Porter and Bendigo Community Fruit, the tree has been cared for, netted and hundreds of kilos of quinces harvested. Sue from Vintage Kitchen Preserves has expertly turned the quinces into delicious paste and other quince products, which our Grow Cook Share Food Hub has sold, with all proceeds from the sales going back into our community programs.
The story continues this year, following a bumper harvest of 100kg of quince, with a new contributor from our incredible community. Fiona from Preserves by the House of Fi has stepped up to make this year’s quince paste.
Fiona runs her preserve business with the single aim of raising as much money as possible for the Cancer Council. Since losing her mother to cancer in 2012, Fiona has raised a phenomenal $228,000 through selling her preserves and hosting Biggest Morning Teas.
In the same way as our quince paste being a community effort, so too is Fiona’s fundraising. “My fundraising work is not a solo effort and there are many people who help and support the work I do. I call this my “circle of love” comprised of family, friends and people I have never met, who donate fruit and fabric, save jars, cut fabric and help out at various stalls and markets.” Fiona says.
To support Fiona’s work and taste her delicious preserves, check out her facebook page or visit Macdonalds Nursery.
You can purchase our quince paste at our market stalls at the Bendigo Community Farmers Market, The Old Church Growers Market, and at Peppergreen Farm Growers Market
If you would like to stock the quince paste in your store, contact us.
