Quince: An Autumn Fruit
Quince (Cydonia oblonga) is a small deciduous tree or large shrub in the Rosaceae family. The quince fruit, called a pome, is somewhat similar in appearance to a pear or golden apple. This tree can be grown not only for its fruit but also for its attractive pink blossoms and ornamental qualities. It is quite popular in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America, but has never really caught on or been widely grown commercially in the United States. It is a very hardy tree that thrives in most soil and usually grows 16-26 feet tall. The mature fruit grows to approximately 3-5 inches and is best consumed when fully ripe and cooked.
In early fall, almost all local farm markets and grocery stores have baskets and baskets of gorgeous locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers available for sale. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that you will find locally grown quince! If you can find quince fruit and you're a bit of a foodie adventurer, please purchase or pick a few pomes. You will be so pleased with the results!
Quince trees have been grown locally for hundreds of years by private gardeners or as a pollinator tree in apple, pear, or peach orchards. I understand from family and friends that my grandparents, great-grandparents, and a few friends back home in Cherry Valley, Pennsylvania, grew one or two of them in their backyards.
Several years ago, my neighbors introduced me to their quince tree that sits just across from my driveway. For me, happiness is that these lovely people no longer pick many of the quince fruits, and the family allows me to harvest almost all of them!
The fruit itself is tough and a bit hard, even when fully ripened. The fruits look like an apple/pear hybrid with a bumpy consistency. The ripening fruit turns from green to pale green to a beautiful golden color in late fall, right before the first frost. That is the very best time to pick them. I have tasted the raw fruit, and I am not a fan. It is very hard and somewhat bitter. However, the aroma is quite the opposite. I have often placed a few of the pomes on my kitchen windowsill for ripening just to smell their amazing, sweet, clean, one-of-a-kind fragrance.
The fruits are very high in pectin, so they are most often used to make jelly or marmalade. I have also been known to throw a few peeled pieces in when I am making homemade applesauce or apple pie. This "secret ingredient" complements and actually enhances the flavor, creating amazing apple pies and sauce.
So, for gardeners and foodies everywhere, if you happen to come across the quince fruit or a locally grown quince tree this fall, please go on an adventure and enjoy the locally grown, somewhat secret fruit of the quince! You will not be disappointed.
