The quince (Cydonia oblonga), which comes from Western Asia, is a fruit with a very long tradition. Our great-grandparents still appreciated the once very sought-after fruit. Today it is, unfairly, one of the forgotten types of fruit. The fruits are real all-rounders. They can be used to conjure up tasty jellies, compotes, quince bread and many other delicacies. However, quinces are not suitable for eating raw.
Detecting the ripeness of quinces
It usually takes between four and eight years for this tree to bear fruit for the first time. But the long wait is definitely worth it. Between May and June, the quince opens its beautiful flowers, which can be up to five centimeters large, and they are a beauty in themselves. The fruits develop from them by late autumn. When unripe, quinces are dull green.
As soon as they turn from a pale yellow to an even, rich and intense yellow, they are ripe. When the fruit is ripe, the fine fluff on the peel has disappeared and the peel is smooth. The seeds of ripe quinces are dark in color. A distinct, aromatic scent also indicates that the fruit is ready to harvest.
The best harvest time
Harvest time does not necessarily describe when Cydonia oblonga needs to be harvested, but rather the period of time in which harvesting is possible. Quinces are one of the last fruits of the year because they only ripen in late autumn. The correct harvest time depends on the respective variety, the weather and whether they should be processed further soon after harvest or stored for a longer period of time.
- Harvest begins when the fruits are close to being fully ripe
- Depending on region, variety and climate, from the end of September to the end of October
- Harvest sometimes extends into November
- October is considered a typical harvest month for quince
- In milder regions, harvest is often possible at the beginning of October
- For example in the Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg or western Bavaria
- Assuming the weather cooperates
- In the rest of Germany it is usually harvest time only in mid or late October
- The further north the location, the longer the quince needs to ripen
- Cold tends to slow them down
- Storable quinces should not be harvested too early, too late or too ripe
- Best time to harvest when the color of the fruit changes from green to yellow
- Can be stored in this ripe state for up to three months
- If harvested earlier, the aroma and taste cannot develop
- The typical quince scent of unripe fruits is absent, even when ripening
Fruits that are to be processed immediately after harvest can remain on the tree or bush until they are ripe and golden yellow and have developed their full aroma and the typical quince scent. However, you should not miss the right time to harvest, because if the quinces are too ripe, the pectin in the fruit breaks down, the flesh becomes brown-spotted, and the taste and aroma decrease significantly. The last fruits should be harvested before the first long-lasting frosts threaten.
Tip:
If there is enough space in the garden for a second tree, it is a good idea to grow both early and late ripening varieties. This way you can harvest quinces over a longer period of time.
Harvest correctly
Quinces Cydonia oblonga should be harvested and transported as carefully as possible. This is the only way to avoid pressure and rot areas that cause the fruit to spoil more quickly. Ripe fruits are usually easy to twist off the tree. For quinces that are to be stored, it is important to harvest them with the stems on. Fruits with bruises, like fallen fruit, should be processed as quickly as possible.
Let ripen during storage
At the time of harvest, most fruits are not yet fully ripe. However, if stored correctly, they will ripen without any problems. However, you should only allow intact fruits to ripen.
- Store harvested, intact fruits in a cool place
- For example in a cellar or frost-free shed
- The longer they ripen, the more intense the aroma is
- Ensure ideal storage conditions
- Optimal storage temperatures between zero and two degrees
- At these temperatures, quinces can be stored for up to three months
- The higher the temperatures, the faster the fruit spoils
- If stored in warmer conditions, process the fruit as quickly as possible
- Do not store quinces in the immediate vicinity of other types of fruit
- The intense aroma of the quinces, easily transferable to neighboring stored goods
- It would take on the flavor of the quince
- Do not store quinces on top of each other
- Lay out side by side in well-ventilated fruit crates or similar containers
- Fruits should not touch each other if possible
- Check quince regularly for damage or rot during storage
- Always sort out and dispose of affected fruits immediately
Tip:
The refrigerator or vegetable compartment is only suitable for short-term storage of a maximum of two weeks.
