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- Quince - a wealth of polyphenols and fruit immunity support
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The quince is one of the oldest cultivated plants, the fruits of which are often used to make a variety of preserves, from jams and juices to tinctures and wines.
However, quince stands out for more than just its interesting sour flavor. It is a plant full of health-promoting properties that can support the human immune system, as well as help fight free radicals and positively affect detoxification processes.
What else is hidden in this inconspicuous plant? And what was it formerly used for by brides-to-be?
Quince - what is it?
Common quince, from Latin - Cydonia Oblonga Mill, is a perennial plant from Southwest Asia, like a large shrub or small tree. It has dark green and oval leaves with a slightly gray underside. In addition, quince is distinguished by its white or delicately pink flowers with a pleasant fragrance, which bloom in late May or early June.
Quince peel contains a great deal of cellulose and is therefore inedible. Regardless of the length of heat treatment, it will still remain tough. In turn, the fruit resembles the appearance of an apple or a pear and is characterized by a lemon yellow color. They ripen in October, but it is worth waiting with their harvest until the first frosts occur. Then the flavor of the quince fruit may become a little more delicate.
Due to its aroma and richness in vitamins and minerals, quince is often called the Polish lemon. Eaten raw, it has a rather tart flavor, but it is ideal as an ingredient in various types of preserves.
The quince is one of the oldest fruit trees. In ancient Greece it was considered an aphrodisiac and, like the pomegranate fruit, was considered a symbol of fertility. Just as interestingly, in the past, brides-to-be chewed pieces of quince to have fresh breath for the wedding night.
Currently, quince is known all over the world, and in areas of South America - in Chile, Argentina or Mexico, it is made into red jellies.
You're probably wondering how a red jelly can be made from a quince, when the fruit itself resembles a yellow pear? This is due to the properties of the plant, which we will mention in a moment...
Quince vs. flowering quince - what are the differences?
Quince and flowering quince are, despite appearances, two completely different plants. The quince bush is definitely smaller than the quince tree. In addition, the plants also differ in their flowers - floweringn quince usually has red-orange flowers, while quince is distinguished by its light pink petals.
Flowering quince fruits, although as aromatic as quince fruits, are much smaller and finer. They are also distinguished by their round shape. Flowering quince is also a less demanding plant to grow.
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Health-promoting properties of quince
Quince can contain many valuable nutrients that can positively affect the functioning of the human body.
First of all, quince fruit can be a valuable source of vitamin C, which can support the immune system, provide support for the body's ability to fight infections and accelerate the body's recovery time after an illness.
Since quince can be a rich source of polyphenols, it can also exhibit antioxidant properties. The plant can therefore promote the neutralization of free radicals and reactive oxygen species and contribute to the reduction of oxidative stress. Thus, Polish lemon can delay the aging process. Interestingly, most polyphenols are found in the peel, so it is worth using the whole fruit of the plant.
Back to red jelly.... Quince under the influence of cooking can secrete anthocyanins, which are pigments that, due to the low pH of the environment, turn the product red. Therefore, the resulting jellies may be characterized by their red rather than yellow color.
As if that weren't enough, quince can also exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This is further proof that quince fruits can have a positive effect on human immunity. At the same time, the plant can have an anti-allergic effect.
The fruit can also participate in liver regeneration and benefit detoxification processes. It can also facilitate the removal of heavy metals from the body.
Due to the richness of pectin in the plant, among other things, quince can lower blood pressure and regulate blood glucose levels. Thus, it can have a positive effect on on the cardiovascular system.
Quince can also be a great support for indigestion, heartburn or during excessive intestinal fermentation. Seed extract can also be used as a laxative, while the whole fruit can enhance appetite. As a result, quince can be used as an aid among people who suffer from lack of appetite.
Quince can also be a valuable source of vitamin A, vitamin B2 or B6, and thus can support the proper functioning of the nervous system and eyesight. In addition, quince fruits can accelerate digestion and metabolism, and since the plant is also distinguished by its low energy content, it can provide support among people who are concerned about weight reduction.
The richness of active ingredients means that quince can also be used in cosmetics. It can work well in hair care - the fruit can strengthen and nourish hair follicles and prevent hair loss. In addition, thanks to its antioxidant properties, the plant can promote the youthful appearance of the skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin tone. It can also moisturize and regenerate the skin and protect it from harmful UV rays.
What can be made from quince?
Although quince can exhibit many health-promoting properties, it is still not as popular as, for example, lemon. This may be due, among other things, to the fact that the plant's fruits are susceptible to the process of enzymatic darkening. This, in turn, may be due to the richness of polyphenolic compounds in quince, which oxidize when the fruit is cut and thus contribute to the rapid darkening of the product.
However, due to its sensory qualities, richness in vitamins and minerals, and storage life, the plant can be widely used in many areas of life. The properties of quince are used both in medicine and in the production of cosmetics. However, quince is still most often found in the kitchen, where it is an ingredient in many preserves. What specifically can be conjured up with this aromatic fruit?
- Quince juice or quince syrup is a sour-sweet product with a fragrant aroma, which can work especially well in the autumn and winter season as support for the immune system at a time of increased risk of infection. Quince juice or syrup can boost immunity and support the fight against dry cough.
- Quince tincture - is one of the most popular ways to use the fruit. Quince tincture can be used to improve appetite, digestive processes or support immunity. However, it is worth remembering that it is an alcohol-based product and in larger amounts will certainly not benefit our health.
- Quince jam is a sweet and sour product that can work well as part of baked goods or as a stand-alone spread for bread. Quince jam can also be used as an addition to pancakes, while quince jam can emphasize the taste of homemade waffles.
- Quince for tea - dried quince is most often used for tea, although sometimes quince from syrup can also be added to drinks. Added to tea can give it a slightly sour taste and a pleasant aroma. Dried quince can retain its valuable values, and at the same time can stand out with a longer shelf life than fresh fruit of the plant.
- Quince wine is a product with a delicate taste. It can be used as an immune support, but as with quince tincture, the wine should not be consumed too often, as it can negatively affect human health.
A recipe for a sweet, quince moment of pleasure
As we mentioned earlier, quince can be an addition to all sorts of baked goods and cakes. How about a quince fit apple pie?
To prepare a sheet of delicious dessert you will need ingredients such as:
- 130 g ground oat flakes,
- 80 g whole wheat flour,
- 4 tablespoons of honey,
- 50 g coconut oil or cold butter,
- 1 egg,
- teaspoon of baking powder,
- a bit of cinnamon,
- 0.5 kg of apples,
- 1 kg of quince,
- lemon juice.
Method of preparation:
Sprinkle the ground oatmeal into a bowl, add the flour, oil or butter, egg, baking powder, a dash of cinnamon and two tablespoons of honey and knead the dough by hand. Put in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Peel and grate the apples, peel the quince, cut into cubes and simmer in a pot over low heat until it is the consistency of mousse. Then add two tablespoons of honey and a little lemon juice and previously grated apples. Mix the ingredients and simmer for a while longer. If desired, you can add a little cinnamon or other aromatic spices such as cloves or ginger.
Take the dough out of the fridge, divide it into two parts and roll it out. Line a baking sheet with paper and place one part of the rolled out dough on it. Prick the dough with a fork. Then lay out the apples with quince and cover with the second sheet of dough. Transfer to the oven and bake for about an hour at 180 degrees.
After removing from the oven and cooling, the cake is ready to eat. Just be careful, the dessert can be addictive!
Quince - side effects and contraindications
No adverse side effects have been observed after quince consumption.
Raw quince can be tart, hard and bitter, so it is not recommended to eat the product raw.
Too large amounts of quince in the diet can contribute to gastrointestinal complaints.
There are also no contraindications to eating the fruit of the plant. However, it is worth noting that products and preparations obtained from sweetened quince should not be consumed by people suffering from diabetes or insulin resistance.
Bibliography:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35661598/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36262168/
- https://www.idosi.org/gv/gv14(4)15/9.pdf
Natalia Goździak
Copywriter - nutritionist. Bachelor's degree in sports dietetics She graduated from the Academy of Physical Education in Poznan, while her master's degree in dietoprophylaxis and dietotherapy - from the University of Physical Education in Poznan. at UP in Poznań. However, she treats the principles of healthy eating primarily as valuable guidelines, rather than strict rules that must be strictly followed. Knowledge in the field of copywriting, on the other hand, she draws from courses and industry literature, but since the best way to learn is to practice. learning is practice, she spends many hours each day playing with words and creating new, unique content. content. Privately, she is passionate about photography and can't imagine life without books.
