what is quince fruit

Quince is a yellow fruit that resembles a cross between an apple and a pear. It is a deciduous tree that bears hard, aromatic bright golden-yellow pome fruit, similar in appearance to a pear. The fruit is not usually eaten raw due to its bitter flavor, but instead cooked into a variety of recipes including crumble, chutney, jam, and Membrillo (quince paste). Quince is in season from October to November. Quince is a fall fruit that looks similar to apples and pears, but tastes quite different. It’s yellow in appearance, short, somewhat round, and has a relatively tough texture. Whole quince fruit is not available everywhere, but quince paste is commonly sold in stores. Quinces are low in calories and boast a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious fruit. Many of the benefits associated with quinces can be attributed to the fruit’s rich supply of antioxidants, which reduce metabolic stress, lower inflammation, and may help prevent chronic diseases.