The Quince Tree

The quince (Cydoniaoblonga Miller) is a small fruit tree that originated in the Ancient Near East.
It has probably been cultivated since 4000 BC.
In Ancient Greece the quince trees of the Cydonia region in Crete were particularly renowned, hence the plant’s scientific name.
The Romans also used them. Apicio’s Roman cook book offers recipes for cooking quince with honey and even for combining it with leeks.
Charlemagne ordered that quince trees be planted in well-supplied orchards.
In Europe today quinces are grown all over the Mediterranean Basin and in the Balkans.
In southern Spain they are often found in orchards and gardens. People often stew the pulp of the fruit with sugar to produce the popular “dulce de membrillo” (also known as “carne de membrilllo”).
In October, theripe golden fruit is particularly attractive with its pleasant aroma and pretty appearance and can be enjoyed in the gardens of the Generalife and in many of Granada’s Cármenes, traditional houses with gardens.