Quince
Synonyms: None Known
Scientific Name: Cydonia oblonga
Family: Rosaceae
Habitat
The quince probably originates from the Caucasus.
Constituents
Mucilages, pectin, tannins, fatty oil, vitamin C
Description
The quince, which grows as a shrub in the wild, is a small tree only about 3 to 4 m (9 to 12 feet) high. From May to June it produces large cup-shaped flowers which are white to delicate pink. The fruits, which weigh 300 to 500 g, are pear- or apple-shaped depending on the variety and are covered by a characteristic felty coating. This wipes off easily, revealing the wax-coated skin which emanates a sweet, fresh fragrance when rubbed. Although it has been cultivated by mankind for thousands of years quince has undergone little change as a result of selection and has thus largely retained the character of a wild fruit.
For cultivation a sheltered site should be chosen as the wood is sensitive to frost. The quince is generally free of pests and diseases. One exception is fire blight to which it is particularly susceptible. The ripe fruits are harvested from September to October. If the fruits are to be stored the best time to harvest is when the color begins to turn from green to yellow. Stored in a cool place without touching, the fruits remain fresh for up to 10 weeks.
Interesting Facts
Quince for the newly married pair, brings love and joy and children fair, goes a traditional German rhyme.
In ancient times the quince was also regarded as a symbol of happiness, love and fertility. Thus, according to Athens law, the young bride had to eat a quince on the threshold of the bridal chamber, in the belief that the wife would bear her husband as many children as the quince contained seeds. We hope for the bride's sake that the quince was cooked!
The fruit is also reputed to help against drunkenness: Eaten while drinking, quince prevents the vapors of the wine from rising to the head (Simon Seth, physician in the 11th century AD).
Incidentally the name quince is derived from the Greek Kydomalon. Kydonia is a town in Crete and malum means apple. Kydomalon is thus the apple from Kydonia. Kydomalon then became Cydonium, from which the English name quince developed (ky = qui).
The plant from another perspective
The quince is a delicate, vulnerable plant which has learnt to protect itself. However, this protection does not give it a hard exterior, but it rather has a soft and downy coating. Woody structures in the fruit retain moisture. The high mucilage content combines essential oils and fats with water.
The plant in our products
In the same way as the fruit protects itself while it can be outwardly soft, quince cares for the skin in Dr. Hauschka skin care. Biodynamically cultivated fruits are used. Quince seed extract is characterized by particular skin compatibility and soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It also regulates the natural moisture content of the skin. It is part of:
Dr. Hauschka Cosmetics is the only cosmetics manufacturer which also uses quince wax which protects the skin while still allowing it to breathe. The wax coating keeps the fruits fresh for many weeks. In the same way the sweetly fragrant quince wax cares for the skin in:
