Quince Facts
Quince Facts
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| Interesting Quince Facts: |
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| Quince is small tree that can reach 16 to 26 feet in height. |
| Quince develops simple, ovate leaves with smooth margins. They are pale green colored due to dense layer of white hairs on the surface. Leaves are alternately arranged on the branches. |
| Quince produces large, pink or white individual flowers at the end of the branches. Flowers contain both types of reproductive organs. |
| Quince blooms during the spring and summer. Flowers attract bees (natural pollinators), but they are also able to perform self-pollination. |
| Fruit of quince is large pome. Fruit has yellowish-white flesh filled with stone cells and numerous seed in the middle. Surface of the fruit is covered with yellow skin that has rough and woolly texture. |
| Quince which grows in temperate region produces unpalatable, tart and astringent fruit that needs to be thermally processed before consumption (high temperatures destroy tannins, bitter compounds). Quince can be consumed in the form of compotes, preserves, jellies or as an ingredient of dishes made of seafood, poultry and lamb. |
| Quince which grows in tropical areas produces fruit with soft flesh which tastes like a blend of apple and pear. Tropical quince can be consumed raw. |
| Quince is rich source of dietary fibers, vitamin C and minerals such as copper, iron, potassium and magnesium. |
| Quince is best known by its strong, tropical and fruity aroma. This fruit was inevitable part of wedding ceremonies in the ancient Greece. Bride consumed quince to ensure pleasantly smelling, "perfumed lips". |
| Quince was popular and often consumed in the ancient Rome. Romans usually prepared quince by mixing it with honey and leek. |
| Quince is often used as a rootstock for grafting the pears. Created hybrids remain small in size, but they produce substantial amount of fruit that reaches maturity more quickly. |
| Turkey is the greatest manufacturer of quince in the world with nearly 128.000 metric tons of fruit produced each year. |
| Compounds isolated from quince can reduce blood cholesterol level, prevent development of certain types of cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. |
| Mucus obtained by soaking the seed of quince into the water can be used in treatment of skin irritation and gastrointestinal discomfort. |
| Quince is perennial plant that can survive more than 50 years in the wild. |
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