[A guest post by Duncan…]
Although my scent tastes have obviously been molded from day one by Ginza and I now share many of his olfactory foibles and phobias (distaste for synthetic sandalwood…
Source: NOTES FROM THE OTHER SIDE
[A guest post by Duncan…]
Although my scent tastes have obviously been molded from day one by Ginza and I now share many of his olfactory foibles and phobias (distaste for synthetic sandalwood…
Source: NOTES FROM THE OTHER SIDE
Filed under Flowers
Such a treat to hear Duncan’s own voice, having caught echoes of it in Ginza’s writing. Just to say that quince does indeed exist in Japan where it is known as karin – it is identical to the lumpy fragrant fruit I pick up at the Turkish stores in London. . The vegetable store near me in Central Tokyo sometimes has it in winter at much lower cost than apples or persimmon. Japanese friends tell me it is invaluable for sore throats – one stews slices and drinks the water. In recognition of its importance for medicinal purposes, the Takeda Herbal Garden in Kyoto includes a quince grove. It is also worth seeking out the wonderful tree in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, especially at blossom time.
You know I think in that case we might actually have a quince tree in our garden!
Then you are truly blessed! The fruit is unmistakable by the fragrance – apparently the Elizabethans relied on a bowl of quince to scent a room. You can also steep it in shochu for karinshu, in the same way as umeshu is made.
In that case, perhaps not. I would have noticed the smell and looking at pictures what we have is much much smaller.