WHAT IS A QUINCE?

This ancient ancestor of the apple looks primitive to say the least.  A tough fruit, quince has really gone out of its way to discourage you from eating it.  With “I’m not tasty” visual camouflage like an asymmetrical shape, uneven skin texture and color, the curious (and back in the old days starving) might still cut one open.  Only you’d find a spongy texture more reminiscent of a brain then flesh.  And even then, for the Hannibal Lectors among us, when you try a piece it tastes awful.  Quince took Darwin’s advice to heart when it came to primitive humans.   The secret is to stew quince with sugar, water and other ingredients to bring out its delicious flavors for the dessert of your choice!

WHY ARE QUINCE GOOD FOR YOU?

While low in calories, this fruit is a great source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins (C) and minerals (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium).

WHEN ARE QUINCE IN SEASON?

Requiring temperatures under 45 F (7 C) to flower properly, this is an early to mid Fall fruit.

HOW SHOULD QUINCE BE STORED?

If kept in a cool and dry place after picking (don’t refrigerate unless ripe), they can easily last for 4 to 8 weeks.

WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO CUT A QUINCE?

The knife technique is the same as with an apple, click here to see!

WHY WAS QUINCE GIVEN TO GREEK BRIDES ON THEIR WEDDING NIGHT?

Married couples were often told in the Middle Ages that quince was a symbol of marriage and fertility  Couples traditionally consumed this fruit on their wedding night.  However it also “sweetened” the groom and bride’s breath, making for a more “fruitful” wedding night.  To this day in the Balkans, when a child is born a tree from this fruit is planted for good luck.