The Mission Garden and The Center for Regional Food Studies at the University of Arizona are hosting the Membrillo Fest from 3 – 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 19.
It’s always a wonderful time when the quinces ripen and it happens once a year in October when the Mission Garden throws its Membrillo Fest.
If you are not familiar with quinces they’re a pear-shaped fruit that’s typically used in preserves or as flavoring. Also, you can’t miss them once you walk into the garden because the trees will be loaded with them.
Throughout the festival you’ll be able to catch a demonstration of making cajeta de membrillo, listen to talks about local gardening, its history, and where the quinces fit in to that history.
Don’t forget to buy a few quinces, quince trees, and other great items, too.
A suggested donation to attend the festival is $5 per person.
Membrillo Fest Schedule
3 p.m.
- Jesus Garcia talks about the history and horticulture of quinces
3:30 p.m.
- Josefina Lizarraga does a demonstration of making cajeta de membrillo in the Event Ramada
- Lydia Grijalva hosts a salsa tasting with her spicy homemade quince salsa
4 – 5 p.m.
- Music by Tradiciones
3 – 5 p.m.
- Purchase quinces, quince trees, cajeta de membrillo, their famous Membrillo Fest T-shirt, and much more.
The Mission Garden is located at 946 W. Mission Ln. For more information, visit tucsonsbirthplace.org or call (520) 955-5200.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
