Why Quince Is the Most Underrated Fruit With an Amazing Story

Quince A Forgotten Fruit With a Fantastic Story

Photo by [RaKr_2] / Source: [Pixabay]

For the general public these days, Quince is one of those ultimate fruits they've heard about but rarely encountered. It does not attract the same attention as the apple or pear, although it is a close botanical relative of both. In fact, quince has a long and colorful history – one that stretches back to ancient civilizations, old byways, and traditional kitchens where its scent once filled entire homes.

At initial glance, a quince may not seem particularly attractive. It is knobby, comfortable to the touch, and generally too hard to eat raw. But within this harsh outer world hides one of the most fragrant and flexible fruits. The moment a quince begins to cook, its light pulp turns a hot pink color and releases an aroma that feels almost nostalgic, even if you've never smelled it before. Many humans describe its aroma as a mixture of apple, vanilla and wild honey.


Historically, quince held a special place in many cultures. In historical Greece, it was a symbol of love and was often offered at wedding ceremonies. The Romans later spread it throughout Europe, where it found a home in both royal gardens and ordinary kitchens. Long before the advent of refined sugar, quince was commonly used in preserves, apparently due to its high pectin content. This is what makes quince jelly or membrillo – a firm Spanish quince paste – so distinctively textured and long-lasting.


Beyond its cultural importance, quince has cool nutritional benefits. It provides vitamin C, fiber, and useful antioxidants, without the added sweetness. Quince seeds and syrup are used in traditional healing practices in the Middle East and parts of Asia to soothe sore throats or aid digestion. While current science treats those claims cautiously, they offer a glimpse of how deeply quince has been woven into common existence over centuries.


Nowadays, quince is experiencing a minor revival. Chefs appreciate it for its ability to enhance both savory dishes and desserts. Home cooks, too, are rediscovering its allure – often after seeing it at a farmers' market or receiving it as a gift from someone who still grows fruit varieties in the backyard orchards. Whether simmered in jam, cooked with meat, or cooked with spices, quince brings an old-world comfort experience that is difficult to replicate with a cutting-edge fruits.


In many ways, quince is a reminder that not everything is as delicious or worthwhile as is apparent at first glance. Sometimes, the most rewarding ingredients are the ones that require a little patience and curiosity. And once you've experienced its aroma filling your kitchen, it's no longer hard to wonder why such a top-notch fruit ever fell out of the limelight.