This is the Nippon Yell Dried Fruit Nagano Karin, containing dried and candied quince produced in Nagano Prefecture.
Each piece varied in size, measuring between 1–2.5 cm at their widest. They had a dry, hard, and smooth texture with a dark orange-to-brown hue, lightly coated in a fine layer of crystallised sugar.
The texture was notably firm, particularly at the centre, offering an almost crunchy bite compared to the softness typically found in candied apples or pears. The initial sweetness from the sugar coating was prominent, but the quince’s unique flavour emerged only after a few bites. At this point, the texture softened slightly, resembling puréed cooked quince or a mealy apple. The flavour profile unfolded with floral sweetness and gentle tartness, reminiscent of a ripe strawberry, combined with tropical and floral citrus notes. In the finish, the fibrous texture of the quince lingered on the palate, though it did not cling unpleasantly to the teeth.
While the flavour of the quince was enjoyable, its firm texture seemed less suited to drying and candying, leaving the overall experience somewhat less satisfying.
This Nippon Yell Dried Fruit Nagano Karin contained 20 g. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2024.