Quince: The Forgotten Pome — Origin, History, and How to Grow
Quince was the love-apple of ancient Greece — fragrant, golden, and inedible raw. The unique story of a fruit that almost vanished from modern kitchens.
The quince (Cydonia oblonga) was one of the most prized fruits in the ancient world. Greek mythology calls quinces the "golden apples" of the Hesperides; the love goddess Aphrodite was sometimes depicted holding a quince rather than an apple. The fruit's scientific name comes from the Greek city of Kydonia on the island of Crete. Yet today the quince is almost unknown in Western supermarkets — partly because it is inedible raw.
Origin and history
The quince originated in the Caucasus region (modern Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) and Iran. It is among the oldest cultivated fruits; archaeological remains in the region date to 4000 BCE. The Greeks and Romans grew quince extensively; medieval Persian cuisine used quince in stews and preserves. The quince fell out of favor in Western Europe and North America during the 20th century as softer eating fruits (apples, pears) dominated.
Where quinces grow today
Turkey is the world's largest producer; Iran, China, Uzbekistan, and Morocco follow. Most production is consumed regionally rather than exported.
How to grow quince
- Climate: USDA Zones 5-9, broader range than apples or pears.
- Soil: Tolerates a wide range; happiest in moist well-drained loam.
- Sun: Full sun.
- Pollination: Self-fertile — a single tree produces fruit.
- Spacing: 4-5m.
- Watering: Tolerates drought once established.
- Fertilizing: Light annual feed.
- Pruning: Minimal — quince fruits on second-year wood.
- First fruit: 3-4 years.
How to use quince
Raw quince is hard, tannic, and astringent — nearly inedible. Cooked, it transforms: the flesh softens to a fragrant golden-pink texture, and the high pectin content makes quince the king of preserves. Famous uses: Spanish membrillo (quince paste, eaten with manchego cheese), Persian khoresht-e beh (quince stew), Greek kydonopasto, French cotignac. A single ripe quince in a fruit bowl scents an entire room.
Bottom line
A forgotten fruit worth rediscovering. Plant one self-fertile tree in any temperate yard and you will have decades of fragrant, hand-set jam-making fruit. The tree itself is also exceptionally ornamental in spring bloom.