8 Amazing Health Benefits Of Quince Fruit You Need To Know

The quince fruit tastes tart and sour and is bright yellow. It is often described as a cross breed of an apple and a pear. The health benefits of quince fruit can be linked to its dietary fiber, vitamin C, and other antioxidants. This fruit is used to make many processed jams, spirits, and juices. This article explores the health benefits, nutritional content, possible side effects, and recipes of the quince fruit. Keep reading.

What Is Quince Fruit And Its History?

Quince (Cydonia oblonga) is a shrub or small tree belonging to the Asian genera and Rosaceae family. This yellow, pear-shaped hairy fruit has a typical flavor and aroma. Raw quince is tough, astringent, and sour.

This plant originated in Asia Minor and spread through the countries bordering the Himalayan mountains to the East and throughout Europe to the West. However, it is most likely that quince did not reach the Mediterranean region until the classical period when it was used by the Romans (1).

Trivia

The quince held a special status in ancient Greek mythology as the sacred fruit of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and fertility, and was called the ‘golden apple’.

The ancient civilizations cultivated quince for its medicinal benefits.. Continue reading to discover what gives this fruit its medicinal powers.

Nutritional Information Of Quince Fruit

A hundred grams of raw quince contains (2):

Compared to apples, quince contains nearly two times more vitamin C and more minerals (3).

Shena Jaramillo, RD, says, “Quince fruit is a great source of potassium and fiber. Potassium is an important electrolyte in the body, and fiber aids in digestion. It is also a great source of vitamin C, which helps with collagen formation and supports the immune system.” Read on to learn more about the health benefits of quince.

7 Potential Health Benefits of Quince Fruit

1. A Good Source Of Antioxidants

Quince pulp, seeds, and peel are rich in antioxidant phenolic compounds because of their rich vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content (4). The phenolic compounds are crucial for minimizing oxidative stress and inflammation, the main causes of numerous health issues. Moreover, antioxidants also strengthen the immune system to protect the body against harmful pathogens.

2. May Protect Against Stomach Ulcers

A rat study found that the phenolic compounds in Chinese quince extracts could suppress gastric ulcers and keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy (5). The antioxidants can help protect the mucus membrane of the stomach (gastric mucosa) by minimizing harmful inflammation and oxidative stress.

3. Antimicrobial Effects

The phenolic compounds in quince extract (pulp and peel) have antimicrobial properties. They can disrupt bacterial cell membranes and interfere with their metabolism and eliminate them (6).

4. May Help With Pregnancy-Induced Nausea

A trial on pregnant women found that quince syrup could significantly reduce with mild to moderate nausea and vomiting (NVP). Hence, quince is safe to consume by pregnant women and can even be a better alternative to improve symptoms of nausea and vomiting (7).

5. May Have Anti-Allergic Effects

A mice study found that quince extract could relieve the symptoms of a type I allergy (immediate reaction) by suppressing the antibody production and inhibiting the atopic dermatitis-like allergic responses (8).

6. May Help With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Research showed that quince fruit extract is as effective as ranitidine in relieving the symptoms of pregnancy-related GERD.

In a 2020 study published in Gastroenterology, findings from the 2015 National Gastrointestinal Survey involving 71,812 participants revealed noteworthy statistics on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). About 44.1% reported having experienced GERD symptoms in the past, while 30.9% experienced them in the previous week. Surprisingly, among those using Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), 54.1% continued to suffer from persistent GERD symptoms.

Quince is traditionally used as a gastric tonic to boost gut health and reduce nausea, vomiting, and other gut-related issues (9).

7. May Prevent Cancer

A study observed that the phenolic compounds in quince fruit and leaf extracts inhibited the proliferation of colon and renal cancer cells. Researchers concluded that quince extracts might be useful in the prevention and treatment of cancer (10). However, more studies are warranted to prove the efficacy of quince extract as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent.

8. May Help Boost Heart Health

Quince fruit emerges as a promising natural aid for heart health, supported by various studies that highlight its beneficial impacts on cardiovascular markers. Research consistently demonstrates its positive effects on lipid profiles, showcasing significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels while elevating the beneficial HDL cholesterol (HDL-C). Notably, quince extracts exhibit lipid-lowering effects comparable to standard medications like simvastatin, emphasizing their potential to manage cholesterol levels. Additionally, quince showcases promise in addressing diabetes, stimulating pathways that enhance glucose metabolism. While effects on insulin levels vary, this fruit helps improve glucose control. Moreover, studies reveal quince’s positive influence on blood pressure, demonstrating antihypertensive effects akin to conventional medications like captopril (11).

There are many ways to include quince in your diet. However, if you are new to this fruit, your tastebuds may take time to adapt to its rich and exciting flavor and texture. Some hints on how you can enjoy this delectable fruit are laid out in the following sections.

Did You Know?

Quince fruits and seeds are often utilized in cosmetics to create masks and lotions and are used to maintain fragrance in rooms and wardrobes.

How To Eat Quince Fruit

Quince can be eaten raw or cooked, with or without the skin. However, not everyone may prefer raw quince as it has a sour and astringent taste. Cooked quince has a sweet and floral flavor.

Pro Tip

Pick quinces that are firm and have a light yellow or golden color. As they ripen, they are highly aromatic, so wait as long as possible to pluck them.

The best way to preserve (and consume) quince is by preparing marmalades, jams, and jellies. You may substitute quince for apples and pears in different recipes like crumbles, cakes, pies, and other desserts. You may also prepare quince vinegar (just like homemade apple cider vinegar) and enjoy this seasonal produce throughout the year. Here are a few popular recipes you can try out.

Popular Recipes Using Quince Fruit

1. Quince Jelly

This lovely rose-colored quince jelly is abundant in natural pectins and healthy nutrients.

What You Need

• 1.5 kg of quince, diced
• 7 cups of water
• 7 cups of sugar

How To Prepare

1. Boil the diced quince in water. Lower the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour until the quince pieces are tender.
2. Mash the cooked quince until smooth. Add more water if required.
3. Strain the mashed quince pulp with cheesecloth and strainer. Collect the pulp.
4. Boil the strained quince pulp in a pot with a thick bottom.
5. For every cup of juice, add less than a cup of sugar.
6. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Measure the temperature with a thermometer.
7. Scoop out the foam from the jelly while cooking.
8. The jelly will thicken once the temperature rises above 100°C (water’s boiling point). Once the temperature reaches 106°-108°C, the jelly is ready.
9. Store the jelly in sterilized glass jars.

2. Quince Pie

The classic apple pie has a delectable autumn flavor. Skip the pie crust and top your pie with sliced quinces and granny apples for a crunchy taste.

What You Need

• 3 cups of peeled quinces, thinly sliced
• 1 can of apple juice, unsweetened
• 1 teaspoon of cloves
• 9-inch pie pastry
• 5 cups of apples, thinly sliced
• ½ cup of sugar
• 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg

How To Prepare

1. Preheat the oven at 375°F.
2. Combine the quinces and apple juice in a big pot.
3. Make a spice bag with the cloves (put them on a cheesecloth and tie). Toss it into the pan.
4. Boil the mixture. Lower the heat, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the quinces are crisp-tender.
5. Uncover and cook for another 8-12 minutes, or until the liquid has been reduced to 2 tablespoons.
6. Discard the spice bag and let it cool down for 5 minutes.
7. Line the pie pan with pastry. Trim to half-inch beyond the plate’s edge and flute the edges.
8. Combine the apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and quince mixture. Pour the mixture into the crust.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes.

3. Quince Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Add a little zest to the classic roasted Brussels sprouts with a sweet and fruity sauce spiced with a hint of fire from crushed red pepper flakes.

What You Need

• 900 g of Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• ¼ cup of olive oil
• 1/3 cup of quince paste
• 1/3 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper
• ¼ teaspoon of paprika
• 4 tablespoons of basil, finely chopped
• ¾ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper, freshly ground

How To Prepare

1. Preheat a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper and roast them for 20-25 minutes. Flip them once halfway through.
3. Mix and simmer quince paste, water, sugar, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper in a small saucepan for five minutes.
4. Add paprika, salt, and pepper (as per taste) and remove from heat.
5. Toss the roasted Brussels sprouts and quince glaze.
6. Garnish with lemon zest and basil.

A food blogger jotted down her heartfelt memories of how her mother prepared quince fruit. She added, “This is my favorite way to eat quince. Baked in the oven, slowly simmering in sweet sugar syrup. A more grown up and sophisticated version of the stewed fruit from my childhood (i).”

Since quince is available during the fall, you may want to store it for later use. Here are a few tips.

How To Store Quince Fruit

Nadia Charif, RD, says, “Usually sold unripe in the US, it’ll take a few days on the countertop to ripen your quince. You’ll know it’s unripe if the fruit is more green than yellow, hard (rather than giving to the touch) & has little to no fruity fragrance. Like other fruits, to speed the process, store in a paper bag on the countertop.”

She adds, “Once cut, your quince will oxidize, so wrap tightly with plastic wrap or cover the cut portion of fruit thoroughly with lemon juice (albeit, this will make your quince more tart). Quince tends to absorb the odor of other foods, so it’s important to store away from strong smells whether on the countertop or in the refrigerator.”

According to Jaramillo, quince fruit can be stored for up to two weeks at cool temperatures.

Quince is a healthy and nutritious addition to your diet. However, it has some possible adverse effects worth noting.

Possible Side Effects Of Quince Fruit

Dr. Kire Stojkovski, MD, shares, “When consumed in large quantities, quince causes negative effects on the stomach (elicits the stomach to produce volatile gases). When exposed to the skin, the fruit causes irritations to the skin. It also causes inflammation (swellings). The fruit is also responsible for causing diarrhea and problems in digestion.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is quince good for kidneys?

Yes, Quince may exert a protective effect on the kidneys in a number of ways. It may help regulate blood pressure and thus prevent kidney damage associated with hypertension (12), ( 13). In studies, quince extract has been shown to reduce kidney damage associated with high levels of fat in the bloodstream (hyperlipidemia) (14). In addition, it may protect against renal cancer (10).

Is quince alkaline or acidic?

Though quince contains some organic acids, it breaks down in the body as alkaline ash when consumed fresh.

Is quince a citrus fruit?

No, quince is not a citrus fruit. It is instead a pome fruit, much like apples and pears.

Be it for nutrition in jams and marmalade or as any skincare ingredient, quince fruit can help you all the way along. Watch the following video to learn how it helps improve your overall health.

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Janelle BigelmanMS, RDN

     

Janelle Bigelman is a registered dietitian with 3 years of experience. Being an athlete and heavily invested in sports while growing up, she quickly learned the interconnection of optimal nutrition and how one’s daily dietary habits can impact one’s overall health, longevity recovery and performance, both positively and negatively. This led her to open her own private nutrition consulting business...more

Payal KarnikSenior Health & Wellness Writer

 

Payal Karnik is a senior health and wellness writer and a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach. She is a biotechnology graduate from the University of Mumbai with a keen interest in writing and a natural curiosity for science. This formidable combination equips her with the knowledge to write research-backed health and wellness articles. She has also published a research...more

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Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a senior editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. He...more

Sindhu KogantiSenior Health & Wellness Writer

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy. After her graduation, she decided to combine her knowledge of science and love for writing to...more