The quince could be called a 'forgotten' fruit. It is still reasonably well known in Southern Europe, but this exotic is also back on the rise in the Netherlands. "At the moment the demand for quinces is quite good. The reason for this is that only France and Spain are on the market. The volumes of quinces are small at the moment, as the season has just begun. We are all waiting for the Turkish season. It should start very soon," says Patrick Stoffels of BUD Holland.
"The quince is originally from countries around the Caspian Sea. Now they are mainly grown in Souther Europe and Chile. The quince is far too hard and sour to eat raw, but they are often used for compote. The Portuguese name is 'marmelo' which is where the word marmalade comes from. Quinces smell deliciously fresh and sour, and so are used as a natural air freshener. The peel can also be used to make quince liquor," concludes Patrick.
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