The quince is a very healthy fruit thanks to its nutritional value. Discover this delicious fruit and all its benefits.
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What kind of fruit is the quince?
The quince is a fruit belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is the only member of the Cydonia genus found in the Malinae subtribe, including other fruits like apples and pears. It grows on a deciduous tree with bright golden-yellow pome fruit that is hard, aromatic, and resembles a pear.
About appearance, it is orange-yellow in color with a usually yellow flesh and is closely related to pear and apple.
Origin of the Quince
The quince, which belongs to Cydonia, originates from Iran, Turkey, Greece, and the Crimean Peninsula. Although the fruit has a potent aroma and is quite tart when raw, it can be transformed into a delicious preserve and is frequently used to add a tangy flavor to baked or stewed apples.
The Greeks met him in Cyon on the Island of Crete. As a result, it is the origin of the scientific name Cydonia oblonga Mill. Likewise, this fruit was dedicated to Venus. In addition, they offered it as a symbol of happiness, love, and fertility.
Quince uses by different cultures.
Formerly the quince was closely related to the apple since it was believed to be one of its varieties.
It was the Romans who were in charge of spreading the cultivation of quince throughout Europe, including Spain. In addition, the Romans consumed it in different recipes. Moreover, they made a typical recipe: the cooked quince sweetened with honey. They also used it to make liqueurs.
Likewise, as a curiosity, in Roman culture, there was the custom of offering the newlyweds quince before entering their new home to wish them luck.
In the Middle Ages this fruit began to be used as a remedy against diarrhea.
More recently, the Arab culture used quince not only for its flavor. Also, they used it as an intestinal regulator for its benefits.
Spain was the country that exported the quince crop to the American continent. Currently, it is cultivated in quantity in many regions of South America.
Quince Production
It grows naturally in Asian countries such as Armenia, Turkestan, and Syria.
Quince cultivation is widespread throughout Europe. The areas where quinces are most consumed today are China and the countries that made up the now-defunct Soviet Union. In addition, these countries are the largest producers that currently exist.
Unlike other crops, the quince does not find a growing expansion. We can find them in Andalusia, the Valencian Community, Murcia, and Extremadura in Spain.
Countries with the highest production of quince
As we have already noted, the most intense production of quince is found in parts of China, the Middle East, and the countries that formed the former Soviet Union.
According to FAO, the countries that currently have the highest production are only the following:
Turkey with 100,000 tons per year, China with 90,000, Morocco with 30,000, Argentina and Iran with 25,000. Likewise, countries such as Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia, countries that made up the former Yugoslavia, stand out.
Countries such as Mexico, Romania, Syria, Greece, Peru, Russia, Tunisia, Brazil, Bulgaria, and Spain also stand out. And to a lesser extent, countries such as Bolivia, France, Hungary, Algeria, and Argentina.
Quince Season
Quinces are typically in season in the UK from October until December, with the added bonus that they can be grown on a tree in your own backyard.
The collection is delicate when done by hand. Therefore, it must be done carefully to avoid damaging the fruits.
The harvest date is usually in October. However, some varieties can be brought forward to September and delayed until December. Therefore, quinces cannot be lacking in our kitchen in autumn.
You can check the calendar of the fruit season to be able to consume these foods at their most optimal moment. In addition, when they are in season, they provide us with more benefits for our health. They have a better aroma and are tastier, among other advantages.
Quince varieties
Depending on the area, the climate, age, and cultivation system are factors that have led to the creation of various varieties of this fruit, among which we can highlight the following:
| Variety | Flowering | Maturity | Size, shape, and quality | Color on cooking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appleshaped | Not widely known | Not widely known | Not widely known | Not widely known |
| Aromatnaya | Mid-late | Late September | Medium to large, round to conical shape, sweet and fragrant with a pineapple-like flavor | Pinkish-orange |
| Bourgeault | Mid-late | Late September | Medium to large, round to oblong shape, very fragrant and juicy with a tart flavor | Light yellow |
| Champion | Late | Late September | Medium to large, oblong shape, sweet and slightly tart with a creamy texture | Light yellow |
| Cooke’s Jumbo | Mid | Late October | Large, round to oblong shape, tart and aromatic with a slightly grainy texture | Light yellow |
| De Bourgeaut | Not widely known | Not widely known | Not widely known | Not widely known |
| De Vranja | Mid-late | Late September-early October | Large, round to oblong shape, very aromatic and flavorful with a sweet and tart taste and slightly grainy texture | Light yellow |
| Fuller’s | Not widely known | Not widely known | Not widely known | Not widely known |
| Gamboa | Mid-late | Late September | Medium to large, round to oblong shape, sweet and slightly tart with a floral aroma | Yellow |
| Le Bourgeault | Mid-late | Late September | Medium to large, round to oblong shape, very fragrant and juicy with a tart flavor | Light yellow |
| Master’s Early | Not widely known | Not widely known | Not widely known | Not widely known |
| Mummery’s Seedling | Not widely known | Not widely known | Not widely known | Not widely known |
| Missouri Mammoth | Mid-late | Late September | Large, oblong shape, very productive, tender, and juicy with a tart and slightly bitter flavor | Light yellow |
| Orange | Early-mid | Late September | Small to medium, round shape, very tart and astringent with a yellow flesh | Greenish-yellow |
| Pineapple | Early-mid | Late September | Small to medium, pear-shaped, very fragrant and sweet with a pineapple-like flavor | Light yellow |
| Portugal | Early | Late September | Small to medium, round shape, very tart and astringent with a yellow flesh | Greenish-yellow |
| Powell’s Prize | Mid-late | Late September | Large, pear-shaped, tender, and juicy with a sweet and slightly tart flavor | Light yellow |
| Rea’s Mammoth | Not widely known | Not widely known | Not widely known | Not widely known |
| Smyrna | Mid-late | Late October | Medium to large, round shape, slightly grainy texture with a tart and fruity flavor | Yellow |
| Van Deman | Mid | Late September-early October | Medium to the large, round shape, tart and flavorful with a pink blush | Light yellow with a pink blush |
How to buy quinces?
We can find it in the season as fresh and raw fruit in our markets. Ideally, we can buy it in the season to make different healthy recipes. They are fruits that provide many ideal nutritional benefits to maintain good health.
When choosing them, paying particular attention to their appearance is essential. Most varieties have to have yellow skin without green undertones.
Yellow skin means that it has its exact point of maturity. In addition, it must not present bruises or bumps that can be suffered during harvesting.
The skin may have spots if they are not very mature. P therefore, we consume as soon as possible if we buy.
Conservation
We can store them in our kitchen in a dry area without direct light if we consume them soon. However, it can be kept for up to three weeks. The trick is to wrap them in a sheet of newspaper and individually. Once wrapped, store them in the fridge.
We can also freeze these fruits. For them, it is necessary to peel and chop them. In addition, it is advisable to mix them with lemon juice, which acts as an antioxidant.
How do you eat the Quince fruit?
Quince fruit can be prepared in several ways, such as roasting or poaching. Alternatively, peel, core, and slice them in pies, tarts, cakes, and crisps. They can be consumed alone or with other fruits, particularly apples.
The most common way to eat this food is as an ingredient in different recipes. The most common is the homemade quince jelly recipe.
Likewise, it is used in recipes such as jams, compotes, jellies, and quince paste or for preparing different sweets and desserts.
Quince sweet
Quince sweet, also known as homemade quince meat, is one of the most popular recipes. It is also the most popular way to eat these fruits. The quinces have to be cooked with sugar in equal parts.
Consuming homemade quince paste with fresh cheese or walnuts is common in Spanish gastronomy.
Quince properties
Quinces are low in sugar. Therefore, they are fruits with a low caloric intake. However, the problem is that this fruit is usually consumed in a recipe for homemade quince paste. Also, sugar is added to this recipe, so the caloric value increases considerably.
These fruits provide us with vitamins and minerals. The most notable are potassium and vitamin C, although not in a very significant way.
Instead, the true benefit that this food brings us is the amount of fiber. It is rich in pectin and mucilage. It also gives us malic acid with disinfectant properties, which is favorable for eliminating uric acid.
Average nutritional value per 100 grams of quince
| Calories | 57 kcal |
| Water | 84 g |
| Protein | 0,3 g |
| Lipids | 0,3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14,9 g |
| Vitamin A | 30 UI |
| White. B1 | 0,03 mg |
| White. B2 | 0,02 mg |
| Nicotinic acid | 0,2 mg |
| C vitamin | 15 mg |
| Malic acid | 680 mg |
| Sodium | 3 mg |
| Potassium | 203 mg |
| Football | 14 mg |
| Magnesium | 6 mg |
| Manganese | 0,04 mg |
| Iron | 0,3 mg |
| Copper | 0,13 mg |
| Match | 19 mg |
| Sulfur | 5 mg |
| Chlorine | 2 mg |
Quince benefits
It is a food that is not usually eaten raw. Sugar is usually added to make quince paste. By adding sugar to this recipe, it is not recommended for diabetics.
However, this sweet change with cheese or nuts is ideal for snacks or delicious snacks. Likewise, it is an ideal combination for an extra energy supply for athletes or those who need to replenish energy. Similarly, it is ideal for those who need to gain weight.
Natural intestinal regulator
The quince provides us with a large amount of dietary fiber. It is a food that helps us regulate our intestinal transit.
Natural antioxidant
Quinces provide us with antioxidants that help us maintain radiant and luminous skin. In addition, they neutralize the free radicals that cause many diseases.
Regulates blood pressure
Thanks to the contribution of potassium and its low sodium content, it helps us regulate blood pressure. Potassium is a mineral that is essential for regulating blood pressure.
It is a recommended food for people who suffer from hypertension, not related to being overweight.
Strengthens our natural defenses
It is rich in natural antioxidants. In addition, the contribution of vitamins such as C and E helps to stimulate our natural defenses.
Reduce the cholesterol
Due to its contribution to dietary fiber, it helps to reduce bad cholesterol in the blood. Therefore, it is positive for people with high cholesterol.
Help in cases of diarrhea
Quinces give us tannins. They are substances that dry and deflate the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, the consumption of well-ripened quince or in sweet form is effective in treating diarrhea.
In addition, quinces are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber with various organic functions. Among these functions is the retention of water. Likewise, it retains the intestinal transit in case of diarrhea.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.