FAQ

What year did you launch Quince and Apple?

Quince and Apple was started in 2009 by husband-and-wife duo Matt and Clare.

What's the story behind the name Quince and Apple?

Both the quince and the apple have a lot of pectin in them, which is the component that keeps a preserve held together. We wanted to include quince in the name as an homage to the traditional methods of making preserves. Apple is another fruit that is good for making preserves, too!

What is a quince? Do all of your products have quince in them?

A quince (pr: kwin(t)s) is a hard, lumpy, yellow fruit. Its tough flesh contains a lot of pectin, the agent that gives holds preserves together. It’s an aromatic fruit that is best enjoyed cooked down into preserves or baked goods. Right now, we don't have a preserve with quince, but many of our products use apples because they are a delicious addition to preserves and contain natural pectin. We would love to make a preserve with quince, but have found it difficult to source quince in the US and in large enough amounts to support our productions.

Are your products gluten-free or vegan?

Yes! All of our products are gluten-free and vegan. The pectin we use is derived from citrus.

Do you ever use high fructose corn syrup or GMO ingredients?

Nope! For sweetness we use 100% cane sugar or local honey.

Do your Quince and Apple products contain nuts?

Our preserves and syrups do not contain nuts; however, they are processed in a facility that does also process tree nuts. 

How do I use your preserves?

We created our recipes to pair with fine meats and cheeses. Each preserve works great on a cheese and charcuterie plate or on a sandwich. We love the classic pairing of a baguette, a hard or soft cheese and a preserve. You can find our favorite pairings on each jar and on our website.

How do I use your syrups?

Our cocktail syrups are a combination of natural fruits cooked down into a concentrated simple syrup. They are perfect for adding a splash of natural flavors into sparkling water or mixed into a cocktail. The syrups are a great companion to fine spirits like gin, vodka, bourbon and tequila. You can find specific pairings on each bottle and on our website.

What is the shelf life of your products?

Our products are shelf-stable for two years. Once they are opened, they can last about 6-8 weeks. Since our preserves and syrups are all-natural products, their stability after opening can vary based on usage and air exposure.

Are gift boxes with cheese okay to ship?

The cheese we include in our gift boxes is a traditional Gouda from Holland’s Family Cheese. The cheesemakers say that their Gouda handles warm temperatures well and is safe to ship during warmer months. If the cheese is soft upon arrival, you can place it in the refrigerator to firm up without losing quality or worrying about unsafe bacteria. If you have any concerns about the cheese, please get in touch with us at info@qa-treat.com.

Can I replace any items in your gift boxes?

We are happy to accommodate any requests for gift box substitutions. Please get in touch with us at shipping@qa-treat.com if you are interested.

Why is there sedimentation in some of your syrups?

Our syrups are made naturally using real fruits and spices. Natural sedimentation will occur but does not harm the quality or flavor of the syrup. Simply shake the syrup to reincorporate.

What is the sugar content or nutritional information of your products?

Quince & Apple is a small enough business that we have not yet had to post nutritional information for our products. We use 100% cane sugar or local honey for sweetening our products and focus on bringing out the natural fruit flavors, not covering them up or preserving them with lots of sugar. Our lower-sugar options include Apples and Cranberry, Tart Cherry and White Tea, and Shallot Confit and Red Wine.

Do you have bulk order pricing? What is the lead time for large orders?

We do have special pricing for larger orders and the lead times depend on how large an order is. Please get in touch with us at orders@qa-treat.com to arrange the details.

Do you work with any distributors?

We do. Send us an email at sales@qa-treat.com and we can connect you with a distributor in your area!

What is the difference between a jam/jelly/preserve?

Jam and preserves are essentially the same thing. In jams and preserves, whole fruits are used and included in each jar. In a jelly, just the fruit juice is used.

Are your products kosher?

No, our products are not certified kosher.

How long will it take my order to ship?

We ship fast! Orders placed by 11 am Central ship out the same day, otherwise they are shipped the following business day. We ship using UPS and transit times range from 1-5 shipping days. You can see your region on the UPS shipping map on our shipping page: www.quinceandapple.com/shipping.