Quince

Scientific Binomial Name: Cydonia oblonga

Selection Information

Other Names:

Golden Apple

Usage:

Jams, jellies, marmalades and syrups.

Selection:

Also called golden apple, there are two varieties of quince; Perfumed and pineapple. The perfumed quince is shaped like a mini football and the pineapple quince is more round or pear-shaped. Both will turn from green to yellow when ripe.

Avoid:

Avoid product that is too soft or has spots of mold. Bruised product will have blotchy areas on the skin. Since quince is cooked and used in jams, slight bruises will not negatively affect the quality.

Seasonal Information

Available August through February.

Quince Nutritional Information

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Quince without refuse (92 g)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 52 Calories from Fat 1

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 0g 0%

Saturated Fat 0g 0%

Trans Fat

Cholesterol 0mg 0%

Sodium 4mg 0%

Total Carbohydrate 14g 5%

Dietary Fiber 2g 7%

Sugars

Protein 0g

Vitamin A 1% Vitamin C 23%

Calcium 1% Iron 4%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Source: PMA's Labeling Facts

Quince is very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It's also an excellent source of Dietary Fiber and Copper, and a great source of Vitamin C.

Quince Tips & Trivia

The quince has been cultivated for over four thousand years. The sweeter varieties have been eaten raw from the middle ages through the 17th Century. They have since been used almost exclusively as a preserving fruit, eaten only in cooked forms. Most of the early marmalade recipes, in England and elsewhere were based on quince.
Quince's Portugese name, "marmelo" is the origin of the word marmalade. The quince name itself comes from the French, where it is known as "coing," adapted to "quince" by the British.