Quince

Quince

Aromatic acid-tasting pear-shaped fruit used in preserves  small Asian tree with pinkish flowers and pear-shaped fruit; widely cultivated.

Cultivation

Quince trees require a temperate climate with cool winters and warm summers. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, although they can tolerate some shade. Quince trees are usually propagated by budding or grafting onto rootstock from other members of the Rosaceae family, such as apples or pears.

In some regions, quince is grown as an ornamental tree because of its attractive flowers and foliage. The tree can also be used for hedging or espaliered against a wall or fence.

Symbolism

Quince has been a symbol of love and fertility since ancient times. In Greek mythology, the fruit was associated with the goddess of love, Aphrodite, and was said to have been given to her by the god of marriage, Hymen. In ancient Rome, quince was often given as a gift during weddings and was considered a symbol of fertility.

In some cultures, quince is also associated with protection and healing. It is believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and promote good health.

In Literature

Quince has been mentioned in literature throughout history. In William Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream", the character Bottom is turned into a donkey and is fed quince by the fairy queen Titania. In "The Odyssey" by Homer, the hero Odysseus is given a quince by the sorceress Circe as a protection against her magic.

Quince has also been the subject of poetry. The 13th-century Persian poet Rumi wrote a poem about the quince, in which he compared its fragrance to that of a lover's body.

Conclusion

Quince is a versatile and culturally significant fruit that has been cultivated for thousands of years. Its distinctive flavor and texture make it a popular ingredient in cooking and baking, while its symbolism and history give it a special place in many cultures around the world. Whether used in the kitchen or in traditional medicine, the quince remains an important and beloved fruit to this day.

Interesting facts about Quince

• Are you aware that quince is a relative of the apple and pear?

• Are you aware that that quince grows on trees?

• Are you aware that quince have grown in Asia and the Mediterranean for over 4,000 years?

• Are you aware that quince were known as the “golden apple” to the Greeks and Romans?

Quince

• Are you aware that in ancient times quince were a symbol of love and happiness?

• Are you aware that that quince have a smooth green to yellow skin?

• Are you aware that quince have a round or pear shape?

• Are you aware that quince are about the size of an apple?

• Are you aware that quince have a core like an apple but with more pits?

• Are you aware that quince have a fruity fragrance when ripe?

• Are you aware that the flesh of the quince is yellowish-white?

Cydonia oblonga(Quince)

• Are you aware that in the United States quince are rarely eaten raw because the flesh is hard and tart?

• Are you aware that in Asia and tropical countries quince have a softer and juicier flesh?

• Are you aware that when you cook quince the flesh turns pink?

• Are you aware that quince are used to make jams, jellies and preserves as they have a high pectin (gelling agent) content?

• Are you aware that quince tend to hold their shape when cooked and are perfect for poaching, stewing or baking into a dessert?

• Are you aware that cooked quince taste like a combination of apples and pears?

• Are you aware that in Portugal quince is called “marmelo” because it is used to make marmalade?

Nutritional information on Quince

NB:Carbohydrate, by difference(total carbs-fiber) is also called net carbs