Quince is an oral fruit tree which grows in the Caucasus, western Asia and southeastern part of Europe. It is related to apples and pears and creates yellow, hard fruits that are too sharp to eat fresh but take on sweetness and a delicious smell when baked.This tree is well regarded as an ornamental tree because it produces pink or white flowers in the spring. Ripe for thousands of years of cultivation, quince has cultural and mythological aspects indicating love and fertility.
Origen of quince:
Originating from the temperate parts of Western Asia, the fruit Cydonia oblong grows best in the Caucasus, Northern Iran as well as the districts round the Caspian Sea. Its cultivation is thought to be among the first fruits to be cultivated as evidence shown by archeology and myths and legends that are many thousand years old. In various cultures the quince is a symbol of fertility, love and prosperity. In classical mythology, the ‘golden apple which was given Paris by a goddess to create a reason for the Trojan War was potentially a quince. It also depicted Venus, the Roman goddess of love attributes that has been symbolized by fruit.
Varieties of quince:
The Near East region was the original location of quinces before they spread to Mediterranean territories where ancient Greek Roman and Persian cultures used them extensively across their daily life practices. In addition, it was highly valued for its good smell, its sour taste and its sundry culinary uses. It felt to the Middle Ages in Europe where the fruit is considered to be luxurious and of high status. It grew in fruit gardens and monasteries and its fruits were used in various cure remedies and delicious dishes. It was discovered that the term the “marmalade” has close relation to the Portuguese which means “mar Melo,” which refers to quince implying the role of this fruit in the preparation of jams. The quince is now still valued greatly in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, and is consumed in some parts of Asia as well. Although it is no longer as popular as it used to be in some parts of the world it still succeeds in enchanting gardeners, cooks and historians with its history and features.
Characteristics of quince:
The quince is a small deciduous tree that is cultivated both for decoration and for the production of its rather unique fruit: Cydonia oblong. It is ecologically characterized as a shrub or small tree that ordinarily stands 5 to 8 meters (16 to 26 feet) tall with a rounded crown of spreading branches which makes it appropriate for cultivation in home gardens and orchards. Its leaves are simple, oval and shiny dark green on the upper side with a pale green on the lower side making the tree look foliage. Quince bears fragrant pink or white flowers in the late spring which resemble apple and pear and that adds to its ornamental value. The fruit is the most remarkable part of this tree, and it has many edible uses among the populations of Asia as well as in European countries. It is classified more to say when ripe, it becomes bright golden yellow but with a tough skin and pleasant aroma. Size ranges from spherical to pear-shaped, and the texture of the fruit is tough, crunchy and grainy there is a very acidic and bitter taste if consumed raw. On the other hand, raw quince is hard and acidic in taste but the fruit softens when it is cooked, has a hint of sweetness to the taste, and smells like apple, pear and a little like citrus. Quince is a highly usable fruit and has culinary importance as well as ethnobotanical importance. It is mostly used to prepare jams and jellies, and for preparing of desserts, but the scent of the fruit makes stews and tagines popular. Its significance as a sign of love, fertility, and abundance, their transformation from sour to sweet while they reproduced the whole process, makes this fruit a fascinating target in both gardens and kitchens all over the world.
Nutrition value of quince:
Quince is an unarticulated fruit that has lots of nutrients that help in the body. It contains less fat than almost any other food, with only about 57 calories per 100 grams that would be ideal for people with low-calorie diets. The fruit has many healthful components; it is particularly rich in dietary fiber that is beneficial in digestion and in maintaining the gastrointestinal tract. It also contains vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant given that it enhances on the immune system and fights off cell damage. Quince also impresses with the concentration of small but worth mentioning vitamins B-complex Besides, calcium is good for enabling the growth of strong bones and teeth; potassium assists to maintain hopes of blood pressure and a healthy heart; and this it supplies small amounts of copper, iron, and magnesium. Quince is also rich in polyphenolic compounds and other antioxidants which possess some anti-inflammatory and disease combating features. Although it has a low sugar content to other fruits, the fruit is appropriate in preparing jellies and preserves since it rich in pectin. These nutrients and bioactive compounds explain why addition of quince to the daily diet is very important.
Health benefit of quince:
Quince is a highly nutritious fruit with a wide number of health positives attributable to the nutrients and bioactive substances. Due to its rich fiber component, it also has positive effect on the health of the digestive system by helping eliminate cases of constipation and encourage let alone Bowel movements. A high content of vitamin C, which is an essential antioxidant in the fruit, promotes immunity, combats free radicals, and may alleviate inflammation levels contributing to the prevention of diseases. Quince also contains hypo-stomach cognoscitive properties to treat ulcers or acid reflux complications. It is a good source of potassium, which helps to control high blood pressure and supports healthy working of muscles and nerves. Also, it contains reduced quantities of calories and fats thus a good source of food to those aiming at reducing weight. Some of the polyphenolic constituents present in the fruit share activities such as, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and possibly anticancer activities, which augments its overall pharmacological significance. Quince also contains a small proportion of iron and copper that take part in the production of red blood cells and in energy production. In addition, it is rich in pectin that which helps in purging since it has the ability to bind to toxins and heavy metal in the intestines. Together with all these health benefits, quince is a very useful fruit that can play a very vital role to one’s health.
Drinks of quince:
Some of the Quince can be prepared in many refreshing and tasty beverages that are preferred for their quality qualities and effects. Quince juice is popular also its taste is quite acidic, and contains sweetish notes – it goes well with other fruits, such as apples, pears or citrus fruits. Traditionally, before preparing, quince is peeled and boiled, after which it is crushed to make juice and sweetened to preference. Because it has no added sugar, it tastes best when enjoyed cold on its own, but it is also delicious with a splash of sparkling water. It is also used to add flavor to herbal teas, the same that encourages the addition of spices such as cinnamon or ginger, to make warm beverages. Another preparation, quince syrup, may be diluted with water, soda, or used as a cocktail base that will give the drink an unusual sour-fragrant flavor. In some regions it is mixed with alcohol in order to produce popular classic liqueurs and cocktails containing quince, for example quince wine or quince based brandy. Not only do these drinks maximize use of the fruit’s distinctive taste, they also make use of the health characteristics of the fruit, like being a stomach aid and an immunity booster. Quince is quite refreshing if added into juice, tea, syrup or incorporated into alcoholic products like beer and wine.
Dessert of quince:
Quince can be used in many sweet dishes and is one of the most unique fruits with regard to the taste and fragrance. Quince can be used in desserts, and perhaps the most well-known is the quince paste, which is usually served with shaving cream, or incorporated into pies and tarts. Quince can also be baked, whole or sliced, commonly with sugar, honey, and spiced with cinnamon or cardamom to yield into these sweet and aromatic fruits. Quitters, which is quince cooked in syrup of sugar, lemon and sometimes wine, is another conventional delicacy. Quince tarts and pies are known Cuisines around the world where quince is stuffed between a buttery crust, and may be accentuated with nuts or dried fruits. Furthermore, quince can be used in cakes, custards and puddings fresh, puréed or in chunky pieces. Quince jelly is another typical sweetmeat, usually accompanied by bread or scones, but the shiny, completely transparent look of the elaboration gives it a very elegant and elaborate appearance. Quince will typically need another sort of preparation besides poaching to add its pleasantly sweet-tart taste and the warm scent of apple butter to desserts of many sorts.