Cydonia oblonga 'KONSTANTINOPELER' quince

Quince is an old-fashioned fruit species that is gaining more attention again. There are new varieties which are very tasty as well as good looking, such as Konstantinopeler Apfelquitte. It is cultivated for the strongly aromatic fruit that is picked in late autumn, usually in October. It looks like an apple with a bright yellow skin.

The fruit is used to enhance aroma of desserts, preserves and other meals with different types of scent-lacking fruit. It has to be processed or cooked to be eaten – fresh is very hard and not edible. It has high content of potassium and vitamin C, sugars are on the same level as in apples, for instance.

Quince is soil adaptable, however, if you are looking for heavy crop of quality fruit make sure the soil is well-drained, medium moist, and rich in organic matter. Grow it as a compact shrub or small tree in full sun or some shade, it will not tolerate deep shade. Pruning time and style are identical to what you do with apples – cut off too long branches in late winter. Hardy to about -30°C.

Last update 20-01-2011