- Apple and pear quince - the main differences:
- The variety difference is also reflected in the use
- How are quinces stored?
A quince tree needs four to eight years until it bears the first tasty fruits, which ripen at the end of October or beginning of November. Quinces are therefore considered the last fruits of the year in our climate zone. There is only one type of quince worldwide, depending on the shape of the fruit it is only differentiated into apple and pear quince.
The apple quince looks like an apple
Apple and pear quince - the main differences:
| apple quinces | pear quinces | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | round like an apple | tapering towards the style |
| pulp | hard and rather dry | soft but not mushy |
| interspersed with many stone cells | hardly any stone cells | |
| taste | very aromatic | mild quince aroma |
| processing | a bit laborious | uncomplicated |
The variety difference is also reflected in the use
Pear quinces eaten raw are a tasty treat for the palate. As soon as you cut the fruit, the escaping juice exudes a wonderful aroma. Since it is easier to cut up, the pear quince is well suited to pastries such as a tart. It is also very good in fruit salads.
Apple quinces, on the other hand, tend to be inedible raw because of their hard, woody flesh. However, these fruits can be wonderfully processed into compotes and jams. Due to the high pectin content, the jelly is easy to make and you can even use the peel.
Both types can be used to make schnapps and liqueurs, which taste extremely delicious thanks to the wonderful aroma of the fruit.
How are quinces stored?
Both apple and pear quinces are quite sensitive fruits that bruise quickly and then spoil. Store this in a cool, airy place separate from apples, pears, and veggies. The fruits should be placed next to each other and not touching. This will keep them fresh for a month or two.
tips
Quinces are an excellent remedy for coughs. Their cores contain large amounts of mucilage, which cover the irritated airways like a protective coat. You can put the kernels in a little water and boil them, this will form the so-called quince slime. Dried seeds can be sucked like cough drops. Please do not chew, because they taste very bitter and contain hydrocyanic acid.