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Quince Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to quince products
About quince
Pronounced "kwins," quince is a small and round fruit grown on trees. Its origin dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it served as a symbol of fertility and love. It was also considered the catalyst of the Trojan War, as told by Greek legend. Some also claim that the quince was Eve's forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Today, the fruit is enjoyed in the tropical areas of Mexico and Latin America.
Quince is an extremely nutritious fruit that also has a low calorie count. One 100-gram quince has just 57 calories, and it is rich in vitamin C, copper, iron, zinc, and dietary fiber. Other health benefits include the following:
- Contains antioxidants. Perhaps one of the most important benefits associated with quince is its abundance of antioxidants, which can reduce metabolic stress and lower inflammation.
- Manages pregnancy-induced nausea. One study conducted found that one tablespoon of quince syrup helped to reduce pregnancy-related nausea.
- Promotes weight loss. Because it's so high in dietary fiber, quince makes your gastrointestinal system work more efficiently and regularly. You feel fuller when you ingest quince.
- Helps with digestion. Quince has a history of treating people dealing with digestive issues. Studies have shown that quince can protect against inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis.
How to tell if quince Is ripe
Quince is an often-overlooked fruit, especially when more colorful choices surround it. It's best to enjoy during the fall season. It's similar in appearance to an apple or pear, but its coloring separates it from these fruits. It also boasts a fragrant fruity aroma. If you leave a quince in your kitchen, you might notice a fragrance of vanilla and citrus wafting from the fruit.
Contrary to how you shop for other fruits, you want quince that's practically rock hard. You want to avoid quince that's soft as that means it's beginning to rot. Instead, look for quince that feels heavy and firm. When quince is ripe, it turns a bright yellow hue speckled with flecks of brown. Stay away from quince with bruising or other signs of damage. You might notice some fuzz on the fruit, which is completely fine. The fuzz will fall off as it ripens.
How to store quince
You can safely store quince on the counter for a few days, especially if it's not ripe. You can also wrap them loosely in plastic and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3weeks. With either option, try to avoid stacking quince as any weight on them might cause bruising.
If you're ready to enjoy this unique fruit, open up your Instacart app and add quince to your cart. An Instacart shopper will get started on your order and drop off your quince at your doorstep in as little as 2 hours! That way, you have more time to figure out what delicious dish you can prepare with the quince.
Quince Near Me
Buy your favorite Quince online with Instacart. Order Quince from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about quince
Although it appears juicy just like an apple or pear, quince is very tough if you try to eat it raw and has a slightly sour flavor. The best way to enjoy quince is to cook it.
Some recipes claim that you need to peel quince, and although you can, its skin is smooth and thin, so you can leave it on for plenty of dishes. If you plan to remove the skin, you can do so with a vegetable peeler. When cooked, the soft flesh turns from yellow to a soft pink. Adding a little water and sugar to your cooked quince can turn the dish into a delicacy.
Because it's a fruit high in pectin, a compound used to thicken jams and jellies, quince is used to make preserves. You can also add cooked quince in small quantities to enhance apple pies or applesauce.
Yes, you can freeze quince, although you cannot freeze the whole fruit. To freeze pieces, wash the fruit, and use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Cut the quince into equal-size pieces, removing the pieces from the core. Place the cut pieces into a pot, and cover with water. Turn the heat to medium, and cook until the quince begins to soften. Boil it for 45-60 minutes or until it begins to soften. Drain, and transfer the pieces into a freezer-safe plastic bag or container. It will last in the freezer for up to one year.
Also known as quince paste, quince cheese is a thick jelly made out of the pulp of quince. Usually sold in squares, it tastes sweet and is often thinly sliced and served with cheese. You can also use it as a pastry stuffing or in place of jam.