Quince
Varieties
Pineapple quince
With a flavor that resembles its tropical namesake, the pineapple quince from California is the most common variety available in the United States. Like most varieties of quince, it is hard and tart, so it is primarily used for cooking.
Apple quince
A sweeter variety of quince, called the apple quince, was developed in the 1990s. Unlike most quinces, this variety can be enjoyed raw.
Preparation, Uses, & Tips
Almost anything that can be done with apples can be done with quinces. They need a similar length of cooking time and are delicious stewed, baked, and made into fruit butter. When baking with quinces, add sugar only after they become soft and the flesh starts to change in color from white to pink.
Quince around the world
Quince paste is still widely made in France (contignac) and Spain (membrilo), while a quince spread (dulce do membrilo) is made in Argentina and Chile.
Morroccan cuisine incorporates quinces in its flavorful tagines, stew-like combinations of meats and dried fruits often spiced with cinnamon and cloves.
Cutting, peeling, and coring quince
Peel quince before using it in jams, preserves, desserts, and savory dishes. Since quince is such a hard fruit, be sure to use a large, firm chef’s knife to cut it into halves, quarters, or slices. Peeling works well with a vegetable peeler or a small paring knife. Remove the core with a small, firm paring knife.
Quince “sauce”
Quince makes an excellent fruit sauce similar to applesauce. To prepare, peel a few quinces, slice them, and remove the seeds. Cook them in a small amount of water with plenty of sweetener of choice until they reach a pulpy consistency like applesauce. Mash or puree in a food processor and serve.
Storing
If quinces are not completely ripened, store them at room temperature until they are yellow all over and give off a pleasant scent. If you do not plan on using ripe quinces immediately, they can be wrapped in a plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator for up to two months. Be sure to store quinces apart from apples and pears because their powerful aroma may permeate these other fruits.
Nutrition Highlights
Quince, 1 fruit (92g)
- Calories: 52
- Protein: 0.37g
- Carbohydrate: 14.08g
- Total fat: 0.09g
- Fiber: 1.7g
*Excellent source of:Vitamin C (13.8mg)
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