Common Quince

Quince (Cydonia oblonga)

Common quince is a deciduous tree or shrub from the Rosaceae family. It grows wild in Transcaucasia, Iran and Afghanistan. It is grown everywhere in culture.

The tree reaches 3 meters in height, often found in shrub form. The branches are spaced, the leaves are grayish, pubescent. The flowers resemble apple blossoms, ranging from whitish pink to carmine red, sometimes larger.

The fruits are pear-shaped, yellowish-green, with firm flesh.

Quince seeds contain mucilage, amygdalin, emulsin, tannins and essential oil. Mucus has a soothing effect on inflammation. Quince seed extract is sometimes used as a cough suppressant.