• The quince (Cydonia oblonga) is the fruit of a small deciduous tree native to the Caucasus region of southwest Asia and the Mediterranean. It belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae) and is a close relative to apples and pears.
• Quince orchards were introduced to Mexico by Franciscan friars as they spread their evangelization missions across the country during the Colonial era.
• The fruit’s firm, strongly perfumed flesh is known for its tart flavor, astringency produced by tannins, and high pectin content.
• Quince contains chemical components attributed with medicinal values considered helpful in lowering cholesterol levels, aiding digestion and enhancing weight loss.
• In conventional wisdom, the quince is often associated with matters of the heart: fertility, love and marriage. Among ancient Greeks it was linked with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and customarily presented as a ritual offering at weddings, used by the bride to scent her breath before entering the bridal chamber. Some scholars suggest it was the proverbial forbidden fruit of the Garden of Eden.