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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Quince resemble a large, lumpy yellow pear with skin that may be smooth or covered with a woolly down depending on variety. A characteristic common to all varieties is their strong aromatic fragrance, a musky-wild, tropical-like perfume. Astringent and sour, the flesh cannot be eaten raw and requires cooking to be edible. The fruit becomes a rich candy-like paste when slowly cooked and turns a deep apricot color with floral honeyed flavors.
Seasons/Availability
Quince is generally available year-round, with sporadic short time gaps. California grown quince (pineapple variety) are harvested in the fall.
Current Facts
Quince are botanically classified as Cydonia oblonga, and are the sole member of its genus. At one time they were considered a staple in kitchens around the world including the United States, but are now mainly found in the East, specifically Turkey and China. This aromatic fruit has now been relegated as a specialty item in most of North American but remains popular in many Latin American countries where as a cooked jelly it is known as dulce de membrillo.
Nutritional Value
Rich in fiber, quince provides a moderate amount of vitamin C and potassium. Four ounces of raw fruit contains about 65 calories.
Applications
With a high pectin content, quince is ideal for jam, jelly, conserves, fruit leather and candy. Poach quince in wine and vanilla beans. Cook down with sugar until solidified; serve paste, or membrillo, with Spanish cheese such as manchego. Cook with other fall fruits, such as apples or pears, and reduce into compote, or add to spiced cake batter. Add cooked quince to ice cream custard. Quince is also used in savory preparations, added to beef and lamb stews, or served, cooked slowly, alongside roasts. For longer storage, wrap fruit individually in a double layer of plastic; refrigerate. Place it where it won't be bruised.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
This fruit plays a worldwide confectionary role in Moroccan, Persian, Romanian and Balkan cuisine. Adding quince to meaty stews, the fruit is often a customary accompaniment to roasts. Referred to as "melimelum" by the Romans, this Greek name means "honey apple" because the fruit was preserved in honey for jam. The Portuguese called it "marmelo", a corruption of the word melimelum and enjoy their "marmelado", a favored quince confection. The Greek name "cydonia" became "cotogna" in Italian and "coing" in French. Chaucer wrote of "coines", a word that later became "quince". The British love its bold taste in tarts and pies.
Geography/History
Believed to be native to Iran, its botanical name, Cydonia oblonga, is derived from an area of Crete. Quince cultivation spread to South East Europe and to the Levant even before the apple took root. Around 1000 B.C., researchers say Palestine was familiar with quince and the "apples" mentioned in the Song of Solomon were possibly quinces. The small, twisted quince tree bears fruit of several forms varying in size, color and shape.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Lauberge Del MarLauberge | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
| Barbarella | San Diego CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Bistro du Marche by Tapenade | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7500 |
| Puesto-La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-775-2289 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Quince. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Quince using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
Marche Rue Mouffetard
Marche Rue Mouffetard
Near Paris, Ile-de-France, France139 Rue Mouffetard 75005 Paris About 6 days ago, 10/10/18 Spotter's comments : Quince spotted at Marche Rue Mouffetard . 
Marché Mouffetard in Paris France
Marche Mouffetard
Near Paris, Ile-de-France, France5 rue mouffetard About 10 days ago, 10/06/18 Spotter's comments : Quince spotted at Marché Mouffetard in Paris France . 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 34 days ago, 9/12/18 Spotter's comments : Quince spotted at Specialty Produce. First of the seasom pineapple quince from Terry Farms. 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 331 days ago, 11/19/17 Spotter's comments : Quince spotted at Specialty Produce. Fresh quince for your thanksgiving recipes are available at Specialty Produce 
Borough Market
Near London, England, United KingdomAbout 353 days ago, 10/28/17 Spotter's comments : Quince spotted at Borough Market. French grown quince available at Borough Market London Tomavo Near Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada About 360 days ago, 10/21/17 Spotter's comments : Quince spotted at Tomavo. 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 363 days ago, 10/18/17 Spotter's comments : Quince spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market. 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Specialty Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 402 days ago, 9/09/17 Spotter's comments : Quince spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market. 
Little Italy Mercato
Heritage Family Farms
Near San Diego, California, United StatesHeritage Family Farm 760-741-8471 About 409 days ago, 9/02/17 Spotter's comments : Quince spotted at Little Italy Mercato. First of the season. Eat raw or slow cooked with vanilla. 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Steven and Robin Smith
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesMud Creek Ranch 5682 Pinegrove Road, Santa Paula 93060 805-525-0758 About 419 days ago, 8/23/17 Spotter's comments : Quince spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market. 
Pike Place Market
Frank's Quality Produce
Near Seattle, Washington, United States206-624-5666 About 669 days ago, 12/16/16 Spotter's comments : Quince spotted at Pike Place Market. Lovely made into a jam, fresh pie, or even a warm winter spirit! 
Mercado Hidalgo
La Oaxaqueña
Near Tijuana, Baja California, MexicoMercado Hidalgo #32, Tijuana 664-200-2920 About 699 days ago, 11/16/16 Spotter's comments : Quince spotted at Mercado Hidalgo. 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Troy Regier
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesRegier Family Farms Dinuba,CA, 559-779-4704 About 699 days ago, 11/16/16 Spotter's comments : Quince spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market. Walmart on Marsh and Frankford in Dallas, TX Near Addison, Texas, United States About 711 days ago, 11/04/16 |
