Crossword Genius

Preserve item, often mechanical, a source of drama (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

quince

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'preserve' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both things that one consumes for nourishment as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for quince that I've seen before include "Golden fruit" , "Chips" , "Fruit - Shakespearian carpenter" , "Fruit for jelly" , "sliced fruit for newly-weds" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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