Since ancient times quinces have been known as a fruit symbolizing happiness, fertility, beauty and even eternity. People were growing quinces even before they started growing apples.
What makes quinces famous
It is the content of the fruit that determines its beneficial properties and hence its fame as a healing and rejuvenating food.
You probably do not know, but the astringent taste of quinces is precisely their greatest strength as a natural gift, which distinguishes them and brings them forward among other autumn fruit. The astringency of the quince brings us the greatest benefit and it is due to tannin, the judicious amounts of which act as a powerful antiseptic.
The unique aroma of the quince gives it a touch of aristocracy against the background of the autumn gifts of nature. Exotic, sweet-sour and very fragrant, the quince is the queen of fruit in autumn. Therefore lets find out what the beneficial properties of quinces are due to.
What do quinces contain
The most important ingredient of the fruit is vitamin C with its key role for physical and mental health. It has powerful antioxidant properties and prevents unsaturated fatty acids from forming free radicals that destroy cells.
Quinces have a rich content of pectin with a beneficial effect on the circulatory system. It supports the normalization of blood pressure and protects against the radioactive radiation of the sun.
With the help of the sour fruit, we can regulate our digestion, treat anemia and preserve the youth and beauty of our skin.
Quinces are consumed not only as a fresh fruit, but also boiled. Boiled quinces protect the stomach lining, heal the throat, tonsils and respiratory tract. The sour fruit also stops diarrhea if consumed on an empty stomach.
There are useful substances not only in the flesh of the fruit, but also in its seeds and leaves. Quince seeds are rich in amygdalin, which is known for its anti-cancer properties. The seeds also contain tannin, pectin, sugars and malic acid. Therefore, a tea is made from the seeds against insomnia, to suppress tension, to eliminate bad breath. Mucus is also extracted from the seeds, which is used to treat wounds and burns. The mucus from the seeds is also a remedy against coughs and inflammation of the respiratory tract.
Quince leaves stop diarrhea and therefore a tea is brewed from them.
A tea is also made from quince flowers, but to soothe coughing fits.
Quince contains few calories, protein and fat at the expense of carbohydrates and fiber. Quince is a vitamin bomb, but no less are the minerals, tannins and pectins in it. The content of beta carotene and mucilaginous substances should also be noted as significant, with corresponding benefits for the body.
And in the fall season, you must turn these delicious fruit into:
- quince cake;
- quince juice;
- quince jam.
