Quince (Cydonia oblonga)

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

Cydonia oblonga is a deciduous Tree growing to 7.5 m (24ft) by 7 m (23ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

delicious flavour to cooked apples. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; When grown in warm temperate or tropical climates, the fruit can become soft and juicy and is suitable for eating raw.; In cooler climates such as Britain, however, it remains hard and astringent and needs to be cooked before being eaten.; It is used in jellies, preserves etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Damp rich soils in hedgerows and thickets. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)