Quince

Quince is the fruit of Cydonia oblonga, a small deciduous tree in the same family as apples and pears, native to the Caucasus and parts of the Middle East. The fruit is hard and astringent, largely inedible raw because of its high tannin content, so it is almost always cooked, which softens the flesh and turns it a deep pink or red while releasing a strong floral aroma. Quince is prized for its high pectin content, making it a traditional base for jams, jellies and pastes such as Spanish membrillo, and it is also stewed, baked or added to savory dishes across Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Caucasian cuisines.