By: Ivana Dragica |
Quince – aromatic golden source of health |
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Some historians believe that a quince, not an apple, was forbidden fruit in Eden.
Aromatic quince, Latin name Cydonia oblonga, has served as a symbol of fertility since ancient times.
Thus, the newlyweds - before the wedding - had to eat quince to make sure their marriage was fruitful and happy.
Less known is the fact that the name of marmalade comes from the Portuguese word for quince - marmeleiro.
The first marmalade was made of quince.
Quince should not be seen only as an ornamental fruit. It is also a medicine and a tasty and healthy autumn dessert.
Composition and healing properties of quince
Quince fruit grows on the medium size tree of the same name, which reaches a height of between 2.5 and 4 meters.
Pinkish-white flowers sprout in the spring and develop into a golden fruit.
Quince harvest season begins in September.
Quince fruit is pear-shaped, but is slightly larger, and more knotty and has a shorter neck.
Quince is a low calorie fruit that contains only 57 calories per 100 grams.
It is rich in fiber, contains vitamin C, B complex vitamins thiamin, riboflavin and pyridoxine and minerals such as copper, iron, potassium and magnesium.
Some sources claim that quince seeds contain vitamin B17.
This vitamin is rarely mentioned in official publications, while in alternative circles it is considered to be one of the most healing natural anti-cancer drugs.
Daily consumption of quince has proved beneficial against tuberculosis, liver dysfunction, diarrhea, dysentery, ulcers and diseases of the liver and eyes.
The high concentration of dietary fiber helps with weight loss.
For people who suffer from problems with intestines or stomach problems, there is no better remedy than quince compote.
Quince juice helps with cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders.
Its antioxidants significantly reduce the risk of cancer.
Quince tincture (Tinctura Ferri cydoniata) made of a fresh fruit juice has a powerful healing effect on the paleness and anemia.
Quince can be used as an air freshener - simply put it in a place you wish to have a pleasant odor.
Quince seeds
Thanks to the high percentage of mucus, quince seeds nourish and moisturize skin.
Quince seeds also regulate natural moisturizing, helping the skin to retain moisture.
Therefore, quince seeds are becoming a more prevalent ingredient in the cosmetic industry.
They are recommended as one of the best remedies against pressure ulcers, burns, cracked skin, itching and as a compression wrap for sore eyes.
Quince seeds tea
Quince seeds tea helps to relieve stress and insomnia.
It helps with inflammation of the mouth and throat. It is also an analgetic remedy against the pain.
Leave a teaspoon of seeds in water overnight. Warm up before drinking and drink three cups a day.
The same tea, but unheated, is used against skin problems as a topical agent.
Quince leafs tea
Pour ½ litre of boiling water over a teaspoon of dried quince leafs. After 30 minutes strain the mixture and drink the tea while it is still warm.
This tea helps with diarrhea in children and infants, and can be used against acnes.
Anti-wrinkle lotion
Pour 0.3 liters of brandy over twenty ounces of quince peel. After two weeks, strain the mixture and pour it into a bottle and seal.
Treat your skin with this lotion twice a day – in the morning and evening.
Quince in cuisine
Raw quince is not edible because of its astringency. Though in warmer regions, if it stays long enough on the tree, it can be consumed in the raw form.
Heat treatment destroys tannin that makes it bitter, and you can add honey or sugar to turn it into a real delicacy.
Quince fruits can be used for preparing marmalade, jam, syrup, jelly, juice, pastries, salads and sauces.
If you want to preserve quince longer, keep it in the refrigerator.
The healing properties of quince include:
- promotes weight loss
- calms diarrhea
- rejuvenates and hydrates the skin
- it is effective against acnes
- helps with liver and eye diseases
- effective against anemia
- useful for bowel and stomach sicknesses
- reduces stress and insomnia
- its seeds protect against cancer
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