Quince is an autumn fruit belonging to the pome family. It can be pear-shaped or maliform, depending on the variety; quinces are very fragrant and, once ripe, take on a yellow color.
Quince is not easily found in large retailers, even if in the last few years there has been a small rediscovery and it is slowly becoming easier to find it, especially in the most well-stocked shops.
The quince is present more or less throughout the country but is more common in the South, especially in Puglia, Basilicata, Sicily and Campania. The fruits are in season for most of the autumn and, more precisely, from early October to early December.
Quince is a bit like the ugly duckling of autumn fruits; it is often set aside in favor of more gluttonous looking products. In fact it is a bit difficult food: the pulp is very hard and it is almost impossible to eat it raw. It is worthwhile, however, to rediscover this very rich fruit from a nutritional point of view which, used in the right way, can also give great satisfaction to the palate.
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Quince is good for the heart and intestines
Quince is a mine of pectin, a soluble dietary fiber that has stabilizing, thickening and gelatinizing qualities.
Pectin, thanks to the properties listed above, is an excellent aid to control blood levels of cholesterol and blood sugar; it also promotes intestinal motility.
The quince contains malic acid, a substance that has an anti-inflammatory function on the intestine and stomach e promotes digestion.
It is low in calories: 100 grams of fruit contain 57 calories.
It is a good source of minerals, especially potassium, but also copper, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. It contains an excellent amount of vitamin C and has a detoxifying action on the body.
Why rediscover quince?
For all the qualities just illustrated, and also for many others:
> Quinces are, par excellence, the fruit of jams, so much so that the term jam probably derives from the Portuguese marmelo which means quince. A single quince in a kilo of fruit can help any jam to succeed because it helps to obtain a nice consistency without adding other thickeners.
> A decoction of quince is a real one cure-all against coughs and colds, thanks above all to its anti-inflammatory qualities.
> A cooked quince is great natural remedy for constipation. And if you add a cinnamon stick to it, it is also a pleasant and aromatic autumn snack.
> Quince is an iPerfect ingredient for homemade cakes, you can use it in pieces or pureed, the important thing is to cook it before adding it to the mixture. You will get very good, very fragrant and, if desired, even light cakes.
Read also How to make quince jam >>
