Quince

New Zealand’s Best Quince Trees

Growing Quince in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• Reduced food waste
• Lower grocery costs
• Fewer food miles and less plastic packaging, decreasing your carbon footprint
• Convenience
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

From large Quince trees to small ones, we’ll help you find the right sized tree for your space. Our fruit trees have been selected to thrive in New Zealand’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Quince, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Quince

1. Where do quince trees grow best?

Quince trees grow best in temperate climates with warm summers and cool winters. They are native to Western Asia and were introduced to Europe and North America centuries ago. Quince trees can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but they prefer deep, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. They also require full sun to light shade to produce the best fruit.

2. Can I eat quince raw?

Quinces are not typically eaten raw due to their tartness and hard texture. They are usually cooked to soften them and make them more palatable. Cooking helps to break down the quince's pectin, which is a type of fiber that gives the fruit its hard texture. Cooking also releases the quince's natural sweetness and makes the flavor more mellow.

If you do choose to eat quince raw, be sure to choose a ripe fruit that is soft to the touch. You may want to peel the quince before eating it, as the skin can be tough and astringent. You can also eat quince seeds, but they are hard and can be difficult to digest.

Here are some ways to cook quince:

• Poaching: Poaching is a gentle cooking method that is perfect for quince. To poach quince, simply simmer the fruit in water or sugar syrup until it is soft.
• Baking: Baking is another popular way to cook quince. To bake quince, simply core and slice the fruit and bake it in a preheated oven until it is soft.
• Making jam or marmalade: Quince is a popular ingredient in jam and marmalade. The fruit's high pectin content makes it easy to make jam or marmalade that is thick and flavorful.
• Making preserves: Quince can also be made into preserves, such as quince paste or membrillo. Quince paste is a type of jam that is cooked down until it is thick and spreadable. Membrillo is a Spanish preserve that is made with quince, sugar, and lemon.

No matter how you choose to cook quince, be sure to enjoy the fruit's unique flavor and texture. Quince is a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of dishes.

3. Why has my quince died?

There are a number of reasons why a quince tree might die.

• Root rot: This is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the tree. Root rot can be caused by a number of factors, such as poor drainage, overwatering, or planting the tree too deep.
• Fire blight: This is a bacterial disease that can kill quince trees quickly. Fire blight is most common in warm, humid weather.
• Cytospora canker: This is a fungal disease that causes cankers on the branches and trunk of the tree. Cytospora canker can kill entire branches or even the whole tree.
• Borers: These are insects that burrow into the wood of the tree. Borers can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to other problems.
• Verticillium wilt: This is a fungal disease that can attack a wide variety of plants, including quince trees. Verticillium wilt causes the leaves of the tree to wilt and turn yellow, and eventually the tree will die.

4. Why is quince the forbidden fruit?

There is no definitive answer to the question of why quince is often associated with the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. The Bible never explicitly mentions the type of fruit Adam and Eve ate, but some Biblical scholars have suggested that it may have been a quince.

There are a few reasons why quince may have been considered forbidden fruit. First, quince trees are native to Western Asia, and they were not widely known in the Mediterranean region at the time the Bible was written. This may have led to the belief that the fruit was exotic and mysterious, and therefore forbidden.

Second, quince fruits are very tart and astringent when eaten raw. This may have made them seem undesirable to some people, and it may have reinforced the idea that they were forbidden.

Finally, quince trees are associated with fertility and love in some cultures. This may have led to the belief that the fruit was forbidden because it could lead to temptation and sin.

5. What is the lifespan of a quince tree?

Quince trees are known for their long lifespan, often reaching 50 to 80 years old. Some quince trees have even been reported to live for over 100 years. This longevity is due to a number of factors, including the tree's deep roots, its ability to store water, and its resistance to pests and diseases. However, the lifespan of a quince tree can also be affected by environmental factors, such as climate, soil conditions, and care.

Here are some tips for extending the lifespan of your quince tree:

1. Plant your quince tree in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
2. Water your quince tree regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
3. Fertilize your quince tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
4. Prune your quince tree regularly to remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood.
5. Protect your quince tree from pests and diseases.

By following these tips, you can help your quince tree live a long and healthy life.