Chinese Quince (Chaenomeles cathayensis)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Chaenomeles cathayensis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - very harsh raw but fragrant when cooked. It makes an excellent jelly and a very good jam, it is especially good cooked with apples in apple pies. The fruit is very large and can be 15cm long and 9cm wide. — Fruit - very harsh raw but fragrant when cooked.; It makes an excellent jelly and a very good jam, it is especially good cooked with apples in apple pies.; The fruit is very large and can be 15cm long and 9cm wide.

Habitat & North American Range

Scrub and hedges in W. Hubei. Slopes, forest margins and roadsides at elevations of 900 - 2500 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)