Useful qualities of quince. Harm to the body, contraindications for use. Baked quince recipe

Quince became known 4000 years ago. It grows wild in eastern Russia. The fruits contain a tart base of sweet and sour taste with an astringent aftertaste. The taste of quince contains notes of apple and pear. The fruit has beneficial properties; it has a rich composition that allows it to be used in cooking and medicine.

Composition of quince

Quince fruits contain useful substances:

• pectin compounds,
• glucose,
• calcium,
• fructose,
• organic acids - tartronic, malic, tartaric, citric,
• iron,
• calcium,
• titanium,
• B vitamins,
• essential oils,
• vitamin A,
• ascorbic acid.

Useful properties of quince

Quince is actively used to prevent the development of many diseases and treat them.

• Positively affects the nervous system.
• Has an antiviral effect.
• Helps fight stress.
• Reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood.
• Helps in treating hypertension due to its potassium content.
• Reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
• Used in the treatment of eye and liver diseases.
• Improves the condition of people with stomach ulcers.
• It has a diuretic, antiseptic, hemostatic, analeptic, astringent, choleretic effect.
• Quince is useful for dysentery, diarrhea, liver failure, and tuberculosis.
• Quince juice helps with problems digestive tract, with anemia.

How to choose a quince

In order for quince fruits to bring maximum benefit, you need to choose the right fruits and store them correctly. They should be large and dense with yellow skin of uniform color. The absence of green spots indicates that the quince is ripe. It is better to avoid buying fruits with dents.

After purchasing, the fruits need to be washed to remove any fluff that is on the surface. To preserve the fruits long time, they need to be wrapped in plastic wrap. In this way, you can keep quinces fresh in the refrigerator for up to 60 months. Just don’t put a pear next to the quince, otherwise the quince will spoil too quickly.

Quince contraindications

It is not recommended to consume quince for those who suffer from constipation. During periods of exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases and enterocolitis, quince is contraindicated. In people prone to allergies, the fluff on the skin of the quince can cause coughing and irritation of the larynx.

Quince seeds inside can turn into hydrocyanic acid, so when processing it is better to remove them without crushing them. Individual intolerance to the fruit is possible.

Application of quince

Quince is an excellent addition to tea. The sour taste and special delicate aroma go perfectly with the deep and rich taste of green or black tea. Quince slices can be added to already brewed tea, enjoying the unusual taste. Compote is prepared from quince, jam is made, marmalade and jelly are made. It is added during cooking meat dishes. Quince is not consumed fresh. Tea with quince - delicious drink, which has beneficial properties.

The fruit is successfully used in cosmetology. The juice of the fruit is included in lotions; they help tighten pores for oily facial skin. It is easy to prepare such a lotion at home: quince juice, a few drops of cologne and camphor alcohol are added to the whipped egg white. It can be used to treat skin that becomes velvety, smooth, and fresh.

To soften your facial skin, you can use a decoction of quince seeds. If you pour boiled water over the seeds and strain, you get mucus, which is very useful for skin irritation and burns. In ancient times, quince juice was used to remove freckles.

A light massage with a piece of ripe quince reduces wrinkles. Crushed pulp from the fresh fruit is used for masks. The skin is saturated with vitamins and softens.

A decoction prepared from quince leaves can be used to color gray hair. It is also used to strengthen hair. They rinse their hair up to three times a week. Regular consumption of quince helps maintain beautiful view for many years.

Recipes for medicinal tea with quince

For weight loss

30 g of quince pulp is poured into 1/2 liter of boiling water, 20 g of cornflower flowers are added, and infused for 15 minutes. This weight loss drink, after straining, can be consumed up to five times a day.

For kidney treatment

For kidney diseases and edema, tea from quince leaves is used. For this, 1 tbsp. l. leaves, pour 200 ml of water (100°C), put on fire and boil for 5 minutes. Cool, drink 1 tbsp three times a day. l.

For bronchial asthma

An infusion of quince leaves is used to weaken and stop attacks of bronchial asthma. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over six quince leaves, place in a water bath, and boil for 20 minutes. Then the raw material is squeezed out, boiled water is added to 200 ml. Drink 2 tbsp of infusion. l. The resulting drink retains its properties for three days.

For uterine bleeding

Quince decoction is prepared from dried fruits. Take 10 g of quince, which are poured with 100 ml of boiling water. You need to drink the drink 1 tbsp. l. It improves appetite and successfully copes with uterine bleeding.

For diarrhea

200 g of quince need to be cut into pieces, pour boiling water. It is better to use a thermos; the drink should be infused in it for about an hour. For severe diarrhea, the infusion is taken every hour until the unpleasant symptoms disappear.

At a temperature

For colds, fever, and cough, it is recommended to take a warm infusion of quince fruits. To prepare it, you will need 2 small quince fruits, which need to be cut into slices (seeds removed). Pour a liter of boiling water, leave in a sealed container or thermos for 2 hours. When using, you can add a spoonful of natural honey.

For diabetes

1 tbsp. l. dried quince, add 250 g of water and simmer over low heat for five minutes. After this, remove from heat, leave for an hour, drink 3 tbsp before meals. l.

Drink recipes

Vitamin drink with quince

Dried raspberries, apples and quinces are mixed in equal quantities and poured with boiling water. It turns out to be a tasty and aromatic drink that can be drunk as tea. Honey is added to tea for taste.

Quince tea

1 liter of water

6 spoons of green and black tea

1 fresh quince or 3 dried fruits

sugar or honey to taste

Fresh quince fruit is crushed and placed in a teapot. Tea leaves are also placed there. Pour the mixture with hot water (95°C) and leave for 10 minutes.

When using dried quince fruits, it is better to brew them separately, then warm them up a little and pour them into tea. You can add not only fruits to the drink, but also quince leaves. To enhance the aroma, you can add quince slices to cups of tea.

Tea with Japanese quince

Japanese quince has a bitter, tart taste. The aroma of the fruit is stronger than that of ordinary quince. Tea with this type of quince is prepared according to the recipe described above. The proportions are also respected.

And this is not at all accidental.

The species looks great as a protective barrier along a narrow country path. And the bushes look especially colorful during the flowering period. The bright red-pink flowers of the plant go well in the garden with most decorative species.

The main value is its round, dense fruits, which abundantly cover the shoots. In addition to important vitamins, they are rich in a whole range of useful substances that can please not only with their unusual taste characteristics, but also with a powerful beneficial effect on the overall health of the body.

And today we have to discover Japanese quince more deeply, as well as all sorts of beneficial properties and contraindications for using it for medical purposes.

Short description

Belongs to dicotyledonous flowering plants. The natural habitat of the species is Japan; the plant is also widespread in Europe and China.

Regarding botanical taxonomy, the species belongs to the genus Chaenomeles of the Rosaceae family. That is why Japanese quince is so similar in external description with many economic rosaceae, popular in the garden.

Chaenomeles is a deciduous low shrub, the maximum height of which does not exceed 3 m. Young shoots have a bright color, which over time changes to brownish-black. The scaly-felt structure of the outer integument of mature branches changes to smooth and bare.

The leaves are small in size, obovate or spatulate in shape, tapering towards the base, with a serrated edge. Their length on average does not exceed 5 cm and width 3 cm.

During the flowering period, the shrub is covered with small ones. Their size in diameter does not exceed 4 cm, and the shades are dominated by bright pink or red-orange shades. The sepals and petals are ovoid in shape.
After flowering, apple-shaped green fruits, almost spherical in shape, appear on the bush, which after full ripening become a delicate yellow hue. The pulp of the fruit is edible, but very hard and dense with abundant inclusions of small brown seeds.

Chemical composition of fruits

Chaenomeles fruits are rich in many useful substances and compounds. Ripe fruits contain about 12-13% sugars. Among them, fructose, glucose and sucrose predominate, which are in the following ratio of 3: 2: 1.

In addition to sugars, quince fruits contain a huge amount of organic acids (from 1 to 4%), including the greatest number presented: apple, lemon, tartaric, ascorbic, fumaric and chlorogenic.

In addition, traces of caffeic, coumaric, folic and quinic acids have recently been found.

The pulp of Chaenomeles fruits is rich in vitamins and beneficial microelements. Among them are vitamins A, E, C, PP, B vitamins (B1, B2, B6), traces of vitamin K. Microelements are represented by: iron, cobalt, nickel, boron, manganese, titanium, copper, aluminum.

In addition, the fruits are rich in large quantities in the following substances: catechins, anthocyanins, tannids, eptcatechin, flavonol quercetin, carotene and fatty oil, which includes isooleic acid and myrimistic acid glycerol.

Useful and healing properties

Derivatives of Chaenomeles fruits have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and diuretic effects on the human body.

The vitamin C contained in the fruit promotes the abundant production of interferon, as a result of which the body can instantly cope with any infectious cold, as well as strengthen the overall immune system.

Besides, medicinal properties Japanese quince helps normalize nervous and muscle activity, improving the course of the body's metabolic processes, restoring and accelerating the course of basic biochemical reactions.
Infusions and decoctions of fruits are used as hemostatic and tonic agents. Often fresh fruits of the bush in folk medicine used to achieve a choleretic or diuretic effect, which facilitates the introduction of waste, harmful substances, toxins from the body, and also promotes tissue regeneration genitourinary system and liver.

The fiber-rich pulp is actively used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. In case of heart failure or edema, quince is able to remove excess fluid from the body, which facilitates the course of the disease.

In addition, in general medical therapy, the fruits of this plant are used to eliminate local irritant effects. chemicals on the human body and slow down their absorption, as well as to alleviate severe toxicosis in women during pregnancy.

Japanese quince seeds have found their use in the preparation of expectorants and enveloping folk remedies.

Did you know?Türkiye occupies the first place of honor in the industrial procurement of quince. This country produces one fifth of the world's quince crop.

Traditional medicine recipes

In folk medicine, both the fruits and leaves of quince are actively used for the preparation of medicinal products, and a complete surprise for many is the fact that even its seeds are suitable for the preparation of medicinal products.

Let's take a closer look at the most popular traditional methods preparation of medicines from chaenomeles.

A decoction from the seeds of the plant for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract has an enveloping, healing and anti-inflammatory effect on a person, and for a cold, such a remedy will help eliminate bronchitis and other manifestations of the disease.

To prepare it, 10 g of seeds are poured into 250 ml of warm water, after which the mixture is stirred for 10 minutes and filtered through cheesecloth. The resulting mucous liquid is taken 4 times a day, 1 tablespoon after meals.

Important! When preparing products from quince seeds, grinding the seeds is strictly prohibited, since in this case toxic substances will be released into the infusion, which can lead to severe poisoning.

To alleviate arterial hypertension, traditional medicine recommends an alcohol infusion from the leaves of the bush.

To do this, 100 g of finely crushed fresh leaves are poured into 250 ml of vodka and infused for 7 days, after which it is filtered through cheesecloth. The resulting product is taken 20 drops 2 times a day.

A decoction of chaenomeles leaves helps eliminate symptoms of bronchial asthma and inflammatory diseases of the stomach. To prepare it, 5 g of leaves are poured into 250 ml of boiling water and left in a water bath for about 15 minutes.

After this, the mixture must be removed from the heat, allowed to cool for 45 minutes, and then strain. Take the infusion no more than 4 times a day, 2 tablespoons before meals.

A decoction of quince fruits or syrup helps improve the condition of the blood system and treat anemia, general immunity and the course of colds.

In order to prepare the syrup, you need to peel the fresh fruits, chop them finely, add a glass of water and cook until they become soft.

After this, remove the pulp and strain it through a sieve. The resulting liquid must be boiled until it reaches the consistency of syrup.
In order to get a decoction of quince, pour 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fruit into 250 ml of boiling water and boil for about 10-15 minutes. After this, the mixture is covered with a lid and left for 30 minutes.

The resulting decoction is filtered through cheesecloth and taken before meals, 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.

Important!You should not overuse quince products, as long-term use can cause constipation. And during breastfeeding, an overdose of the mother’s body with highly active components of quince can lead to constipation and colic in the baby.

Application in cosmetology

In cosmetology, quince has found its use as widely as in folk medicine. Using juice from fresh fruits at home, you can remove freckles and improve the general condition and color of your facial skin.

In addition, fruit juice is one of the best remedies that helps to properly care for oily skin. Daily rubbing of quince seed infusions into the face will help normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

In addition, using lotions from this decoction can quite effectively eliminate puffiness and age-related changes around the eyes, as well as give the face youth and freshness.
A decoction of the leaves of the plant helps to disguise gray hair, strengthen it and improve the overall condition of the scalp. A water infusion will help eliminate dandruff, brittleness and excessive oiliness of hair, and cope with exacerbations of seborrhea and similar diseases.

In addition, Japanese quince products are an ideal component for creating various lotions and masks to care for any skin type.

Collection, preparation and storage of medicinal raw materials

Since the fruits of the bush, like most plants, are a seasonal product, there is an urgent need to preserve until the next season not only the taste, but also the beneficial qualities of Japanese quince derivatives to the maximum.

For this purpose, folk practice has invented a lot of recipes for preparing it for the winter, which we will talk about later.

Fruit

The fruits are harvested only after they are fully ripe. In this case, they accumulate the maximum amount of necessary nutrients. A clear sign of a ripe fruit is a change in its color from pale green to bright yellow or orange.

Did you know?Quince is one of the most ancient plants used in medical practice. The ancient Greeks were involved in the collection and preparation of bush fruits.

The ideal period for collecting is late autumn, but you need to do it before the first frost.

1. Preparation of jam: the fruits of the plant are cleaned, crushed and poured with boiling syrup. For 1 kg of fruit use 1.5 kg of sugar and 400-500 ml of water. After this, the mixture is boiled for about 5 minutes and removed from the heat for 6 hours to infuse. After this, boil for no more than 5 minutes and remove from heat for 12 hours. The procedure is carried out 5 times, after which the jam is ready for sterilization and pouring into jars.
2. Preparation of candied fruits: the fruits of the bush are cleaned, finely chopped and poured with hot syrup. For 1 kg of fruit take 1.2 kg of sugar and 600-700 ml of water. The mixture is infused for about 6 hours, then boiled for 5 minutes and left to infuse for about 12 hours. After which the procedure is carried out 4 more times, then the liquid is removed through a sieve, and the remaining fruits are dried.
3. Boiling to the state of marmalade: peeled and finely chopped fruits are rubbed through a metal sieve or meat grinder and 1.3 kg of sugar is added per 1 cl of fruits. Next, the mixture is boiled until a characteristic viscous consistency appears, sterilized and poured into jars.
4. Dried fruits: the fruits are peeled, finely chopped and dried in a warm place to their characteristic condition. The seeds can also be dried and used to prepare infusions in the winter.

Quince is a southern fruit. The ancient Greeks considered it a real gift from God and even mentioned it in their mythology. The fruit itself symbolized fertility and love. Now the attitude towards this product is ambiguous; on the one hand, it is not eaten raw, on the other, due to its chemical composition, it is rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for any person. The taste of fresh quince is sour and astringent, the structure is dense and hard. But the aroma of the fruit is very pleasant. The shape of the fruit is a cross between an apple and a pear, has a yellow color and smooth skin. Today we will learn more about the beneficial properties of quince for the body.

Where and how does quince grow?

The quince plant is a tree or bush of the Rosaceae family. It can be decorative and fruitful. It can reach seven meters in height. In terms of growth conditions, the crop is not particularly demanding - for full development it requires sunlight, moderate watering (tolerates both drought and overwatering) and standard clay or sandy soil. The Caucasus and Asia Minor are considered the homeland of quince. Now the plant grows in other countries.

Fruit ripening occurs in early autumn. Ripe fruits weigh 100-300g, have smooth skin, yellow color and a characteristic spicy aroma. Inside the fruit are seeds covered with a peel. They are used in home medicine and cosmetology, as well as in the textile industry.

What does quince contain?

It is recommended to consume this fruit after heat treatment. Depending on the variety, the vitamin composition may vary. Typically, quince contains vitamins A, C, E, B, fiber, antioxidants, pectins, acids, tannins, potassium, iron and other useful elements. Calorie content is approximately 40 kcal.

Due to its excellent composition, quince pulp has a beneficial effect on the body:

- general strengthening effect;

— poisons and toxins are removed from organs;

- anti-inflammatory effect;

- hemostatic properties;

- raises;

- is the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia;

- antiemetic effect;

- the heart is strengthened;

- relieves hangover;

- promotes weight loss;

— skin tone improves;

- pores narrow on skin prone to oiliness and acne.

Benefits of quince seeds

Quince seeds, which are located in the core of the fruit, are also very useful. They have the following actions:

- enveloping;

- laxative;

- expectorant;

- diuretic;

- hemostatic;

- they are used for eye ailments, dental diseases and sore throats.

Benefits of quince for women

For women, quince is especially useful during pregnancy. This fruit alleviates toxicosis in the first stage of pregnancy. Even half the fruit helps relieve fatigue and recharge with energy, which is so lacking at this time.

In addition, quince will be useful for young ladies on diets. This product is low in calories, but incredibly rich in vitamins.

Regular consumption of quince helps maintain skin tone. In addition to eating the fruit, it is used for cosmetic purposes - externally.

What are the benefits of quince for men?

IN modern world Many men suffer from one or another ailment related to the work of the heart. Regular consumption of quince helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels, thereby preventing their rupture. In addition, this fruit helps overcome stress and protects the nervous system. Therefore, men are recommended to include this product in their menu from time to time.

Is it possible to eat quince during pregnancy?

While expecting a baby, many women experience nausea. Quince compote helps to alleviate toxicosis. In general, this fruit is safe during pregnancy and many doctors recommend it because it contains many essential vitamins. For example, a high content of folic acid ensures the normal development of the fetal nervous system. To ensure that the body receives enough nutrients, it is recommended to eat quince at least three times a week.

Treatment with quince. Traditional medicine recipes

People have long valued plants, vegetables and fruits as faithful helpers in treatment. In home medicine, there are many recipes that contain quince - pulp, seeds or leaves.

Seed decoction

Quince seeds should never be bitten into pieces - they contain poison. But, on their basis, a mucous decoction is prepared. It has a mild laxative and enveloping effect. Used for colitis and other gastrointestinal diseases. Also, this decoction can be used as an expectorant, and it helps stop uterine bleeding. It is used externally to activate the hair follicles in case of baldness.

Seed infusion

5 grams of seeds are placed in 500 ml of cool water and left for 10 hours. The strained drink is drunk 3 times a day, 1 glass. This infusion helps well with colitis.

Dried quince decoction

Often quince is stored dried - it is simple and easy way preserve the product for a long time. To prepare a healing decoction you will need 1 tablespoon of crushed raw materials. Quince needs to be boiled in 250 ml. water for about 10 minutes. Then leave for 30 minutes and strain through a sieve. Drink the prepared decoction 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.

Quince syrup

Fresh and mature quince pulp is crushed and boiled in water until soft. After this, the pulp is squeezed out through cheesecloth and thrown away. The syrup is further cooked until thickened. This remedy gives particularly good results in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. And normalizes quickly enough.

Vitamin preparation

Fresh quince pulp is passed through a meat grinder and combined with sugar in a 1:1 ratio. This mass is stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container. You can use it as jam or dilute the mass as a drink (2 spoons per 200 ml hot or cold water). You can also simply add it to tea to taste instead.

Juice lotion

Quince juice is combined with beaten egg white and a drop of any cologne. This composition is rubbed oily skin in the morning and in the evening. As a result, the pores narrow and the skin looks healthier and more beautiful.

Decoction of leaves

You can use fresh or dry quince leaves. 1 tablespoon of herbal raw material is poured into 200 ml of hot water, boiled for 10 minutes and infused for another 60. This decoction effectively combats excessive sweating of the feet.

What to cook from quince. Quince in cooking

This fruit is used in the cuisines of different countries. In England they prefer marmalade, jelly and jam from quince; in other countries they make jam from it, prepare compote and use it to create wines.

With prolonged heat treatment, the fruit pulp becomes reddish and sweeter. Because of high content This fruit contains pectin and marshmallows are often made from it. This sweetness turns out to be a dark orange hue. This aromatic fruit is also preserved in sweet syrup. This type of preparation is especially popular in Italy. In Eastern cuisine, quince is combined with beans and meat, and is also used as a filling for pies. In addition, spicy sauces are prepared based on this fruit.

Fragrant quince jam

— quince pulp - 1.5 kg;

– sugar – 1 kg;

– water – 300 ml.

To make jam, you should choose ripe, whole fruits without any damage. First of all, they need to be washed with running water, peeled and pitted. The remaining pulp is cut into pieces. Place the peel and water in a saucepan. This mass needs to be boiled for 20 minutes. After which the peel is squeezed out and thrown away, and sugar and pieces of pulp are poured into the broth. The mass is cooked for 10 minutes, then cooled. This procedure is done three times. The finished jam is placed hot into sterile jars for storage.

When making quince jam, you can add other ingredients, for example, lemon. pumpkin or Walnut. In any case, this delicacy will have an original and pleasant taste.

It is believed that such jam is very healthy and strengthens the immune system. It can be eaten alone or added to tea.

Quince in cosmetology

For centuries, women have used quince for cosmetic purposes. Fresh juice improves skin tone, normalizes the sebaceous glands, tightens pores and strengthens hair roots. In addition, quince juice is included in whitening masks and helps fight unwanted pigmentation. Also, many masks use fruit pulp - such compositions nourish well and improve the color of the dermis.

Quince decoction is most often used for hair - it gives a beautiful shade to dark hair and strengthens the hair follicles.

Contraindications to the use and use of quince

This one has healthy fruit there are a number of contraindications:

— you should not get carried away with quince if you are prone to constipation;

- enterocolitis and;

- pleurisy.

Before eating the fruit, be sure to remove the seeds - they contain the poison amygdalin, the smell of which is reminiscent of almonds.

Quince has a strong aroma and astringent taste. Quince belongs to the same family as apples and pears, and is similar to them in the shape of the fruit.

Quince is used in cooking due to its beneficial properties.

Composition and calorie content of quince

Quince is a source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The fruit contains tannins and a lot of vitamin C. Quince is a good source of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and copper.

Calorie content of quince is 57 kcal per 100 g.

Quince is rich in antioxidants, which treat many diseases, including oncology.

Quince fruits have low calorie content, so they can be used for weight loss. The peel of the “golden apple” contains a lot of tannin, which is useful for...

Vitamin C and other antioxidants in quince have a positive effect on skin, nails and hair.

Biologically active compounds in quince strengthen the immune system.

Recipes with quince

Harm and contraindications of quince

The benefits of quince for digestion are similar to. We must not forget about the dangers of quince for the body. Along with the consequences associated with overeating fruit, there are contraindications:

• individual intolerance fruit components. At the first symptoms of an allergy, stop eating quince.
• tendency to constipation. For the same reason, pregnant and lactating women should limit their intake of fruit.
• “voice” work. Tannins cause hardening of the vocal cords, so singers, teachers, tour guides and representatives of professions related to communication should not eat a lot of quince.

How to choose a quince

When the quince is ripe and ready to eat, its fruit turns bright yellow, sometimes with brown spots. When choosing quince, you should focus on the fruity aroma.

The unripe fruit is greenish and has gray fluff. Mature quince has a golden tone and smooth skin.

Avoid insect-damaged fruits as their nutritional value is reduced and their shelf life is short.

How to store quince

Leave unripe quinces on a sunny windowsill. It will slowly fill the kitchen with the delicate aroma of vanilla, citrus and apple. The aroma will indicate the ripeness of the fruit.

The ripe fruit has a short shelf life, which can be extended to 2 months if stored at low temperatures. An excellent way to prepare for the winter is to prepare jams, jellies, marmalades and baking fillings.

Quince does not lose its beneficial properties when dried.

Quince is a little-known autumn fruit. Many people don't know where to buy it. In autumn and winter, pay attention to the fruit counters of supermarkets - then the fruits are most useful, so they are sold.

" Trees

What is Quince? This is an important fruit crop for humans. The aromatic fruits are used for culinary preparations, the wood is used to make carved products, and in fruit growing the plant is used as a rootstock for many crops. However, few people know about the medicinal and beneficial properties of quince, which are possessed by almost all parts of the plant. Let's talk in more detail about the benefits that the fruits of this plant bring to the human body.

Common quince is a deciduous tree or shrub, the only representative of its genus. It is one of the ancient cultivated crops with a history dating back 4,000 years. The countries of Transcaucasia and Central Asia are considered the homeland of the plant., here it is found in the wild even now. But the culture gained its first fame in ancient Greece. Here it was given the name that is still used in biology today - “Cydonia”.

The books of Pliny (77 AD) “Natural History” and the Armenian scientist Amirdovlat Amasiatsi (15th century) “Unnecessary for the Ignorant” helped to restore the history of culture and its use by different peoples. They describe in detail the healing, strengthening and restorative properties of quince fruits. Today these data are confirmed by biochemical studies.

Today more than 400 varieties of quince are known. They differ only in the slight structure of the flowers and the shape of the fruits, which look like a pear. The fruits of the crop are yellow in color, in some cases with a one-sided red tint, dense, hard and crunchy with a slight pubescence. Depending on the variety, they may have a round or pear-shaped shape, reach up to 2 kg weight. The fruits ripen in September-October.

The pulp of the fruit is viscous and tart. The aroma is reminiscent of apple with a subtle pine tint. Quince fruits contain from 50 to 70 brown seeds which have valuable medicinal properties.

The fruits of the crop are rarely eaten fresh. They are valuable as raw materials for the canning industry and home cooking. Thanks to their persistent aroma and extraordinary taste, they make good preserves, jams, jellies, candied fruits and marmalade. In winemaking, the fruits are used to prepare a special brand of wine, and in medicine for aromatizing rooms (aromatherapy). Quince has firmly entered the culinary traditions of the Central Asian republics, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The fruit ripening and harvesting season for quince is in September and October. After that, they are exported to Russia from the countries of Central Asia, Transcaucasia and Moldova. It is during this period that you can purchase the highest quality product that is not subject to additional processing.

Useful properties and composition of Quince fruits

With the advent of other crops that have a more attractive taste, the use of quince was undeservedly pushed aside. However quince fruits can be called a real natural pharmacy, medicinal and beneficial properties, which are confirmed by biochemical analysis.

100 g of product contains:

• carbohydrates 9.6 g;
• dietary fiber 3.6 g;
• proteins 0.6 g;
• fats 0.5 g;
• organic acids 0.9 g;
• water 84 g;
• ash 0.8 g.

Energy value 48 kcal.

No cholesterol, low content fats and a significant amount of dietary fiber make quince fruits dietary product. Therefore, they will be useful for obesity or a low-calorie diet. Regular use of the product normalizes intestinal flora and promotes the removal of toxins naturally.

Pectins (3%) of fruits, entering the stomach, form a gel-like substance, enveloping the intestinal mucosa. This becomes a reliable protection against irritation.

Quince fruits contain organic acids and tannins. Essential oils are concentrated in the skin.

Macronutrients (100g):

• potassium 144 mg;
• phosphorus 24 mg;
• calcium 23 mg;
• magnesium 14 mg;
• sodium 14 mg.

The fruit also contains 3 mg of iron.

Potassium predominates in the mineral composition of fruits. This is the main regulator of the acid-base balance of the blood, the level of intercellular and cellular fluid, and osmotic pressure. These properties of the mineral are valuable for pathologies accompanied by an increase in fluid levels in the body.

Phosphorus and calcium, essential components of bone structure, are important for strengthening the skeleton and teeth. Phosphorus is the carrier of converted energy throughout all cells of the body, which ensure muscle contraction and brain activity. Magnesium suppresses nervous excitability and regulates the functions of the respiratory center.

Quince is a good source of iron. It is the main component of hemoglobin and myoglobin, which carry oxygen throughout all cells of the body. When their synthesis is disrupted, anemia develops in the body, which gradually leads to hypoxia (oxygen starvation). Children, pregnant women and the elderly are especially susceptible to iron deficiency anemia. Iron is an important element for the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Vitamins (100 g):

• ascorbic acid (C) 23 mg;
• tocopherol (E) 0.4 mg;
• nicotinic acid (PP) 0.3 mg;
• riboflavin (B 2) 0.04 mg;
• thiamine (B 1) 0.02 mg.

The color of the fruit is given by beta-carotene (0.4 mg), which is converted into vitamin A (167 mcg) in the body. A significant amount of vitamin C in fruits helps fight colds, increases the protective functions of the body. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that helps remove toxins from the body.

Possible harm and contraindications to consuming the fruit

Despite all the positive qualities of this fruit, there are also contraindications. The pulp of quince fruits has an astringent and fixing effect. Therefore they contraindicated for constipation and intestinal obstruction. Organic acids in fruits can complicate the course of acute gastritis and gastrointestinal ulcers. Acids are also harmful to tooth enamel, so it is recommended to rinse your mouth after each use of fruit.

The felt that covers quince fruits can harm the vocal cords or cause irritation to the upper respiratory tract. This should be taken into account by people whose professions are related to public speaking(singers, lecturers). They are recommended to consume the fruit in its purified form.

Quince fruits are potential allergens, so they should not be consumed if the body is hypersensitive. Introduce product into baby food possible only at one year of age in purified form.

Use of quince leaves, seeds and pulp in folk medicine

In folk medicine, different parts of the plant are used to treat and prevent many pathologies.

Particular attention in folk medicine is paid to quince seeds. Their shells consist of water-soluble mucus (22%), tannins and minerals. After infusing the seeds in water, a gel-like mass is formed, which has an enveloping, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, emollient and hemostatic effect.

These properties of the seeds are used for treatment:

• dysentery;
• bronchopulmonary diseases;
• internal bleeding;
• gastrointestinal pathologies;
• viral and bacterial infections
• hemorrhoids;
• blepharitis;
• dermatitis, skin irritations, burns;
• inflammatory processes in the oral cavity.

Quince fruits have cardioprotective, antiemetic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and diuretic properties. Therefore they are used to treat:

• hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiac pathologies;
• diseases of the urinary system;
• colds;
• poisoning with toxins;
• anemia.

Quince leaves and flowers are used to treat diabetes, hypertension and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Used as a diuretic for cardiac and pulmonary edema.

Dry seeds also have healing properties. They help relieve dry mouth during fevers or long performances. To do this, you need to put 2-3 seeds under your tongue.

The best folk recipes

Despite the relative safety of quince folk remedies, they can be harmful to people with chronic or acute pathologies. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before use.

Recipes and treatment:

• Sore throat, cough. The average quince fruit is cut into pieces and poured with boiling water (250 ml), left for 30 minutes. Take 1 tbsp. l. 4 times a day.
• Hypertension, edema. Sliced ​​quince fruits (2 pieces) are poured with water (0.5 l), simmered over low heat for 10 minutes and left for 1 hour. Take 100 ml 3 times a day separately from meals.
• Asthma. Crushed dry leaves (1 tsp) are poured with boiling water (250 ml) and steamed in a water bath for 15 minutes. The broth is cooled, filtered and brought to a volume of 250 ml with boiled water. Take 50 ml 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
• Hyperhidrosis. Crushed leaves (1 tablespoon) are poured with boiling water (250 ml), boiled for 10 minutes and left for 1 hour. Used to wipe the skin.
• Colitis, gastroenteritis. Quince seeds (10 g) are poured with cold water (1 l), left for 1 hour. The strained infusion is taken 100 ml 4 times a day. This remedy is also used to treat gum inflammation. To do this, rinse the mouth with the infusion 4 times a day.
• Burns, dermatitis. In these cases, an infusion of seeds is used. To do this, apply a gauze cloth soaked in the product to the problem areas for 30 minutes. The infusion is also used to wipe inflamed eyes due to blepharitis.
• Dysbacteriosis (diarrhea). Dried fruit partitions (1 tbsp) are brewed in boiling water (250 ml), infused in a thermos for 3 hours. Take 2 tbsp. l. 4 times a day.
• Anemia. Sliced ​​quince fruits are poured with water until the surface is completely covered and cooked until softened. After this, squeeze out the juice and simmer over low heat until it acquires a thick consistency. Take 1 tbsp. l. 3-5 times a day.
• Uterine bleeding. Seeds (10 pcs.) are poured with boiling water (200 ml), brought to a boil and left for 3 minutes. The strained product is taken 100 ml 3 times a day.
• Diabetes. Crushed leaves (2 tablespoons) are poured with water (250 ml) and boiled for 15 minutes over low heat. The cooled and strained broth is taken 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day.

If you add potato starch to the quince mucus, thereby increasing the density, you will get a wonderful remedy for various cracks in the skin. It is used to lubricate nipples during lactation and to quickly heal bleeding cracks in hemorrhoids.

Benefits of quince during pregnancy

During pregnancy, various functional changes occur in a woman’s body, which change the need for nutrients supplied with food.

During this period, the volume of circulating blood in the body increases to nourish the uterus and fetus, and the need for iron increases accordingly. Lack of a stable supply of the substance from food leads to the development of iron deficiency anemia. Regular consumption of quince fruits will help prevent this phenomenon.

Literally from the very first days after conception, organs and systems begin to form in the fetus, and this happens in the process of mitosis (growth, division) of cells. A stable supply of phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and calcium is important for the mitotic activity of cells.

Minerals are also necessary to strengthen the mother’s blood vessels, the insufficiency of which leads to complications - hemorrhoids, preeclampsia, varicose veins. The attractiveness of quince as a source of nutrients is due to its dietary properties.. Excess weight during pregnancy also causes complications.

The antiemetic properties of quince help cope with the unpleasant manifestations of toxicosis. During pregnancy, various dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract are often observed, accompanied by flatulence.. In this case, boiled fruit puree will help, which should be consumed 3 times a day, 3-4 tbsp. l.

Quince is also useful for preventing swelling. Traditional remedies can be used to treat colds, because many drugs are contraindicated during this period.

During pregnancy, it is recommended to consume quince 3 times a week, boiled or baked. During lactation, the use of quince in any form is contraindicated. Even a small amount of the product can cause bloating and constipation in a child.

Every year efficiency traditional methods treatments are confirmed scientific research. Partial replacement of chemicals with herbal remedies is attractive and relevant. When used correctly, quince can be a good addition to a traditional treatment regimen., which allows to reduce the aggressive effects of pharmacological drugs.