About 700 years ago, people in Iran and the Caucasus found a peculiar fruit that bit like a pear, smelled like a flower shop, and tasted as if it was made to be spooned right out of a jam jar. Cydonia oblonga, or quince fruit, is ancient, but with its unique flavor and exotic charm, it still feels like a hidden treasure.
It has been popular across Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and European cultures for centuries. You won’t often spot quince on an Indian grocery shelf, but trust me—once you try it, you’ll get why it’s such a well-kept secret.
This fruit isn’t just tasty, it’s packed with nutrients and health benefits that can do wonders for your body.
Quince is a rich source of dietary fiber, which helps in digestion and prevents constipation. It also contains antioxidants like vitamin C, which supports the immune system and combats free radicals.
And a fun fact: while you might find British quinces now and then, Turkey is quince king because it produces more than a quarter of the global supply!
Nutritional Profile: What’s Inside Quince Fruit?
Quince is a nutrient-dense fruit that offers various health benefits. So, here is the nutritional value of quince per 100 grams:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 57 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 gm |
| Protein | 0.4 gm |
| Fiber | 1.9 gm |
| Fats | 0.1 gm |
With its unique flavor and nutritional profile, quince can be a beneficial addition to a balanced diet, particularly for those seeking a healthy, low-calorie fruit rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
11 Amazing Health Perks Of Quince Fruit
1. Packed With Antioxidants
- Quince is full of antioxidants, which help to protect your body from wear and injury, thereby keeping you fit.
- Additionally, it contains sufficient vitamin C alongside other antioxidants namely caffeoylquinic acid and rutin.
2. Eases Constipation
- Are you struggling with digestive issues? Quince can help! In the past, people used quince seeds to help with digestive problems like constipation.
- Recent research shows evidence that quinces when prepared in a stew or baked, can aid in maintaining the smooth passage of foodstuffs through one’s body. This fruit is a fiber rich food , aiding stool volume increase and making it easier to go out.
3. Fights Bad Bacteria
- Quince has some amazing antibacterial properties and it helps to stop the growth of harmful bacteria. Studies showed that quince juice as well as extracts suppress bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori.
- A common stomach ulcer-causing bacterium, and other bacteria that cause infections and provoke skin cancer.
4. Good For Your Heart
- You can improve your heart health with quince fruit. Research has also suggested that quince can be a good remedy for the promotion of heart health.
- Moreover, recent studies on animals have proved that quince extracts can lower bad cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure, which are all risk factors for heart disease.
5. Might Fight Cancer
- Did you know quince comes with cancer-fighting potential? Quince comprises components that may secure tumors.
- Studies on quince peel have shown that quince extract can inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the colon and leukemia.
6. Helps Heal Wounds
- Quince isn’t just good for eating, it is great for healing too! Historically the seeds and the leaves of the quince plant are applied as wound dressings.
- Alternative Medicine Research said that quince can create a shift to a new tissue layer and fix up wounds such as burns or others because of its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects.
7. Supports Prostrate Health
- Quince is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols that reduce oxidative stress in the body. Quince benefits for male power help in reducing the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and potentially prostate cancer.
- The natural anti-inflammatory effects of quince can ease prostate swelling or discomfort. Plus, its immunity-boosting properties can help your body fight off infections and also other prostrate-related issues.
8. Prevents Acid Reflux
- Are you dealing with heartburn or nausea? The lack of quince might help you with reflux disease (GERD) characterized by heartburn and nausea.
- Further, studies have found that quince can be a prescription medication for treating GERD, especially in pregnant women and kids.
9. Boosts Your Immune System
- Quince is rich in vitamins and minerals that help keep your immune system strong.
- The high vitamin C content helps your body produce white blood cells, which fight infections, and the antioxidants reduce inflammation and stress in your body.
10. Great For Your Skin
- Quince boasts of antioxidants and vitamins that are beneficial to the skin. Also, they help reduce damage and inflammation and serve as the main ingredients in skin care products due to their moisturizing and healing properties.
- The beneficial properties of Quince are many. Some of these benefits include the reduction of damage and inflammation.
11. Helps With Weight Loss
- Quince happens to be a very low-calorie fruit with lots of fiber which makes it the perfect choice for diets to lose weight.
- Fiber assists you in feeling full which in turn, causes you to consume less and due to the fact that the fruit is low in glycemic index, it will not create any spikes in your blood sugar levels.
Delicious Ways To Enjoy Quince Fruit
If you haven’t tried quince yet, you’re in for a treat! It adds a unique twist to both sweet and savory dishes. So, here are some tasty ways to enjoy it:
- Preserves And Jellies: Thanks to its high pectin content, it’s perfect for jams, jellies, and preserves. It gives sweet, tangy spreads that pair perfectly with toast, pastries, or even a cheese board.
- Poached Quince: You can poach quince in sugar syrup with spices such as cinnamon and cloves. You can serve it as a dessert or as a luscious topping for yogurt, ice cream, or even pancakes. It’s like fall in a bowl!
- Quince Tarts And Pies: You can add quince to your favorite pie or tart. You can pair it with apples or pears to make perfect fall desserts. Further, after baking the fruit’s flavors intensify and give a fragrant twist.
- Quince Sauce: You can puree the cooked quince into a sauce to serve with meats, especially game meats like venison or duck. Trust me it makes an amazing silky sauce for your dish that you will love it.
- Quince Sorbet: Quince can be made into a refreshing sorbet, which makes for a unique and tasty dessert perfect for impressing your guests.
- Quince Tea: Did you know you can brew quince seeds into a herbal tea? It has a gentle, nutty flavor and is a lovely way to warm up on a chilly day.
- Quince In Savory Dishes: Quince adds sweetness to savory dishes, making it ideal for stews, tagines, and curries. It complements rich spices beautifully, adding a hint of sweetness that balances the flavors.
- Dried Quince: In some cultures, quince is dried into chewy, flavorful slices that make a tasty, healthy snack. You can also toss dried quince into granola, salads, or baked goods.
Ayurvedic Wisdom: Why Quince Is Good for You?
In Ayurveda, quince is known as Shreephal in Sanskrit. It has some fantastic benefits for balancing your body’s energies.
It’s has cooling and slightly astringent properties which makes it particularly helpful for pacifying Pitta dosha (the fire and water element) and Kapha dosha (the water and earth element).
Here are the ayurvedic benefits of quince:
- Digestive Support: Quince’s astringent properties (kashaya) help with digestion by firming up stools and cooling inflammation. In Ayurveda, this makes it great for people with Pitta imbalances, as it can ease heat-related digestive issues like acid reflux.
- Natural Detox: The antioxidants in quince are seen as cleansing for the body, helping to flush out toxins (or “ama” in Ayurvedic terms). This is especially beneficial for Kapha types who may experience sluggishness or heaviness.
- Soothes Inflammation: Ayurveda values quince for its cooling effect (sheeta) on the body, which can help ease inflammation and calm “heat” in both the digestive system and skin. This makes it a good fit for the Pitta diet plan.
- Strengthens Immunity: Quince’s vitamin C content is also appreciated in Ayurveda as it bolsters “ojas,” which is our essence of vitality and immunity. Strong ojas mean better immunity, resilience, and overall energy levels.
- Balances Moisture: Its natural astringency can help balance moisture levels in the body which benefits Kapha dosha by reducing excess mucus or fluid retention.
Can Quince Cause Any Problems? Let’s Find Out!
1. Upset Stomach (If Eaten Raw)
Quince can be a bit tough and tart when raw, which might irritate your stomach, especially if you have a sensitive digestive system. It’s best to cook or poach it before eating to make it easier on your tummy.
2. Too Much Fiber (Digestive Issues)
Quince is high in fiber, which is great for digestion in moderation. But if you overeat it, it can cause bloating, gas, or even mild constipation. So, enjoy it in balanced portions to avoid any tummy troubles.
3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There’s not a lot of research on quince’s safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. So, if you’re expecting or nursing, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before adding new foods to your diet.
Final Thoughts
In summary, quince fruit has a unique pear-like texture and floral fragrance. Though it is not commonly found in India, this fruit is packed with health benefits. Here’s a quick look at what quince can do for you:
- Rich in antioxidants
- Supports digestion
- Improves heart health
- Good for wound Healing
- Contains cancer-fighting potential
- Helps in immune-boosting
- Can be part of your weight loss plans
You can use quince in jams, poached with spices, in tarts, or even as a savory addition to dishes. It also makes a refreshing sorbet or tea.
Additionally, quince is cooling and balancing. It helps with digestion and inflammation, especially for those with Pitta and Kapha imbalances. However, try to avoid raw quince if you have a sensitive stomach, and don’t overeat due to its high fiber content.
In short, quince is a nutritious fruit with amazing health perks—perfect for adding variety to your diet!
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is The Best Time To Enjoy Quince Fruit?
The peak time to enjoy quince is in the fall, typically from late September through November. During this period, quince is at its ripest and most flavorful, making it perfect for cooking, baking, and preserving.
What Does Quince Fruit Do For The Body?
Contains powerful antioxidants that reduce metabolic stress, reduce inflammation, and protect cells against damage by free radicals.
What Is The Healthiest Way To Eat Quince?
The healthiest way to eat quince is fresh or baked with minimal added sugar. Incorporating it into salads or using it in low-sugar preserves maximizes its nutritional benefits.
Contact Us
Do you have any questions or any insights that you’d like to share? Please write us in the comment section below, we’d love to hear from you.
Moreover, if you are looking for a customized diet plan for better health or want to lose weight with cheat meals you can contact us today.
Our dietitians will discuss how we can help you achieve your health goals. Drop your queries here, and our team will be happy to help you. Let’s get healthier together!
Disclaimer
This blog post will help you make healthier and better health choices. So be aware and take care. The most important thing to consider is your health before starting any specific diet or routine. Always seek advice from a doctor or dietitian if you have any concerns before starting.
Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.
Indulge in the creamy goodness of white sauce pasta, a…