By: Judy Davie - The Food Coach
 Many people's experience of quince is quince paste served in posh restaurants as an accompaniment to cheese and crackers. Certainly if you have no experience with quinces you can be forgiven for walking past them in your local greengrocer store. They look a bit dusty and weird and most people wouldn't know what to do with them.
Rule number 1 Don't bite into one raw. Raw, quince are hard, sour, astringent and so high in tannins if they are eaten raw you'll feel like you're choking. Once cooked the tannins break down, and the flesh which was once coarse and white becomes tender, pink and beautifully fragrant. Rule number 2 Don't worry about the light downy fur that covers some parts of the skin. It's not mould and it wipes off easily with a damp cloth. Rule number 3 Quince oxidise quickly when exposed to air therefore if you're preparing a number of fruit in one go, soak the cut pieces in lemon water to prevent the cut edges turning brown. Rule number 4 Be patient and cook it slowly. There's no hard work involved in preparing and cooking quince, they just need time. Slowly does it. The history behind quince Forget roses, a gift of quinces is a true sign of ardour and devotion. In Greek mythology the quince was the famous golden apple awarded by Paris to Aphrodite, goddess of love. In ancient Greece, it was heralded as a fruit of marriage and fertility and was often given as a wedding gift to the bride to sweeten her breath. It's believed that quince originated from Caucasia, a region on the border between the Black and the Caspian seas separating Europe and Asia. In around 600 BC it made its journey to the Mediterranean regions of Europe finally reaching London. Edward 1 made quince famous by ordering trees to be planted at the Tower of London. Health benefits of quince Here's where quinces become really interesting.
Like pears and apples, quince are low in calories and contain numerous antioxidants, fibre, vitamins and minerals. Selection and Storage Select firm, bright golden-yellow color fruits.
Quinces will store well for several weeks in the fridge. Preparation To prepare, just wash the fruit in cold water and wipe with a cloth to remove the downy film on the skin. Cut the fruit in quarters and remove the core and seeds. Drop the pieces into acidulated water until you're ready to cook. So how do you cook them? There are lots of ways but personally I like to bake them slowly in sweetened water, or tea spiced up a little with cinnamon sticks and cardamon pod. I then cover the surface with a sheet baking paper, seal the tray with foil and bake them in the oven at a low temperature (about 160 centigrade)for at least 1 1/2 hours or until tender, pink and deliciously fragrant. Totally scrumptious! Comments |
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FAQs
Fun facts about quinces:
The Portuguese word for the fruit is marmelo, which comes from the Ancient Greek melimelon, or “honey-apple.” Prior to the 1890s, when commercial gelatin was first introduced, the fruit was primarily used as a natural source of pectin, a thickening agent for jams, jellies and other confections.
Is quince a legitimate site? ›
The bottom line. Overall, our Quince review concurs that it's a budget-friendly place to buy elevated basics made with top-notch fabrics such as cashmere, silk, and organic cotton. And thanks to its generous 365-day return policy, there's little risk in it trying out.
What is the story of the quince? ›
In Jewish mythology, it was the original apple of Eden, the serpent tempting Eve with the fruit. Quince fruit has also been linked with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, and in 594BC Solon, the chief magistrate in Athens, declared it an officialy wedding food.
How does quince keep prices low? ›
Quince mindfully works with factories that offer its employees equitable wages and safe work environments while keeping prices low by cutting out the "middleman" that most traditional supply chains still have in place (i.e. sourcing agents, warehousing, distribution, storefront retail costs, and wholesaling).
What is quince known for? ›
It is a deciduous tree that bears hard, aromatic bright golden-yellow pome fruit, similar in appearance to a pear. Ripe quince fruits are hard, tart, and astringent. They are eaten raw or processed into marmalade, jam, paste (known as quince cheese) or alcoholic beverages.
Why is it called quince? ›
The modern name of the genus comes from the ancient city of Cydonia (modern-day Khania) in Crete, where quince trees grew in abundance. The identification of the quince with the golden apples of the Hesperides was made in antiquity by the Greek botanist Theophrastus.
Is quince a Chinese company? ›
Quince is headquartered in San Francisco, CA and partners with more than 50 top manufacturers around the world.
Is quince an ethical company? ›
Quince only partners with ethical factories worldwide, and then ships directly from those factories, eliminating the middleman.
Who is quince owned by? ›
Co-founded by CEO Sid Gupta, the wallet-friendly brand Quince gives consumers access to various factories, selling products made of luxury materials at a fraction of the typical retail price.
What is the Mexican party for a girl turning 15? ›
The quinceañera is both a religious and a social event that emphasizes the importance of family and society in the life of a young woman. It is celebrated in Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean, as well as in Latino communities in the United States and elsewhere.
Today, the custom remains strongest in Mexico, its likely country of introduction during the viceregal or Mexican imperial periods. However, it is widely celebrated in Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas. The grandest parties are comparable to British and American debutante balls.
How do quinceaneras work? ›
Quinceañeras mark a young woman's transition from childhood to adulthood and often feature lively music, dancing, and food. These and other quinceañera traditions are celebrated on a young woman's 15th birthday. The word quinceañera can refer to either the party itself or the young woman celebrating her birthday.
Is quince a US company? ›
Sid Gupta is co-founder and CEO of San Francisco-based Quince, “a curated marketplace of factories” that democratizes mass access to high-quality apparel, home goods, and jewelry at deeply discounted prices, especially relative to the luxury brands its stock emulates.
Does quince pay for return shipping? ›
Once received and verified that the return sent has NOT been worn, used, washed, altered, damaged and retains its original tags- We will process your exchange and ship out the requested exchange size at no additional courier charges.
How long does quince take to deliver? ›
Standard shipping is always free.
Delivery time is typically 6-9 business days. We recommend budgeting in a couple more days to account for global carrier delays. Once an order has shipped, it cannot be canceled or edited.
What is the most popular quince color? ›
Luxe Rose-Gold Quince
It is most quinceañeras' go-to because it is the new classic color and has that hint of princess sparkle.” See how the sparkle continues with cold fireworks, a crowned birthday cake, and glittery tablescapes at this luxe quinceañera.
Can you just eat a quince? ›
Because of their tough flesh and sour flavor, quinces are best eaten cooked.
Many people's experience of quince is quince paste served in posh restaurants as an accompaniment to cheese and crackers. Certainly if you have no experience with quinces you can be forgiven for walking past them in your local greengrocer store. They look a bit dusty and weird and most people wouldn't know what to do with them. 