- How will I know my quince is ripe?
Quince (Cydonia oblonga) fruits are ready to harvest in the late summer or early fall period (late September/early October), when they have turned from a light yellow to a golden colour and are extremely aromatic with a sweet, floral or pineapple scent. Most of the slightly downy fuzz on them should be gone and the fruit should come off the tree easily with no firm tugging required.
Leave them on the tree as long as possible to develop their flavour, provided there is no danger of frost. To this end, make sure you monitor the forecasted temperatures and watch out for any early frost warnings. To maintain fruit production water the tree regularly throughout the growing season keeping the soil moist and well mulched particularly during our hot dry summers.
Once you have harvested the quince, continue to ripen them in a cool, dry, dark area in a single layer, turning the fruit each day.
Quinces should be stored for at least six weeks before use. Only pick and store undamaged fruits, placing them in a cool, dark place in shallow trays ensuring the fruits aren’t touching, and don’t wrap them. Quinces are strongly aromatic so avoid storing with other fruits. If you have picked the fruit when it is less than golden yellow (i.e. not quite ripe), you can slowly ripen it in the same manner for six weeks before using it.
Ideally, allow the quinces to ‘mellow’ for six to eight weeks before cooking. They will keep for two or three months.
Sources:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/fruit/quince/grow-your-own
https://modernfarmer.com/2013/11/season-quince/
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