Quince: useful properties, recipes

Quince is a fragrant yellow-skinned fruit that is round and pear-shaped, with hard and sour flesh. The high content of pectin substances is useful for people whose activities are associated with hazardous production, living in areas of increased environmental hazard. Jam, jam and jams from quince are distinguished by their healing properties in inflammatory bowel diseases. Quince fruits ripen in October. It is recommended to collect them before the onset of autumn frosts. With proper storage, quince fruits can be consumed until early April.

Composition and calorie content

The characteristics of the chemical composition of quince fruits largely depend on the variety and place of growth of the plant. But their main useful property is considered to be high nutritional value. This is due to the fact that the mature fruits of the plant contain a high percentage of fructose and other useful sugars, tannins, essential oils, vitamins, citric and malic acid. The peel of the fruit contains ethyl esters, which give the quince a specific flavor.

The juice contains gum, sugar, ascorbic and malic acid. The seeds are rich in mucus, starch, amygdalin glycoside, tannins and fatty oil, which in turn contains glycerides of isoleic and myristic acids.

Other important connections:

• Phytosterols — 3,78 mg (6,9% of RDI)

• Purine — 6 mg (5% of RDI)

Useful properties of quince

Quince can be attributed to medicinal plants. Not only the fresh fruits of the plant, rich in iron, but also the seeds collected during the processing of the fruits have medicinal properties. For medicinal purposes, the seeds are dried at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C.

A large amount of tannins and mucous substances that quince seeds contain determines their medicinal properties. So, in folk medicine, decoctions are prepared from seeds, taken as a mild laxative or enveloping agent. A good effect is the use of decoction in diseases of the respiratory tract to reduce cough. The enveloping properties of the decoction in the form of lotions help with eye diseases. Also, a decoction is recommended for use as a cosmetic product that softens the skin.

Since ancient times, quince has been used to reduce the symptoms of periodontal disease and relieve pain from hemorrhoids in the form of lotions and compresses based on quince juice.

Fresh fruits of quince are used for anemia and as a choleretic agent. The use of a decoction of the leaves of the plant will help get rid of early gray hair.

Quince is a plant related to apples and pears, but due to its tart and astringent taste, it is rarely eaten raw. Dishes prepared from quince retain all its useful and medicinal properties. The quince fruit contains biologically active substances, including a large amount of malic, citric and tartronic acids. There are also iron, zinc, phosphorus, copper, calcium, pectins. Bright yellow fruits give people vitamins C, E, B1, B2, B6, PP and provitamin A. The plant has antioxidant, antiviral properties.

Ripe fruit juice has a tonic, diuretic effect. Also, the fruits are used as a fastening, hemostatic and antiemetic. Quince is a valuable food product, due to the content of fructose, gum, ascorbic acid, starch, fatty oil amygdalin glycoside.

13 health benefits of quince

1 Helps you lose weight

Quince has a minimum calorie content, so eating it saturates the body with energy that is not converted into fat. 100 g of the product contains only 57 kcal.

Nutritionists often include quince in weight loss regimens. It will be useful for people who train hard, because with increased physical exertion, the body is especially in dire need of vitamins and minerals, which this fruit is rich in. In addition, its inclusion in the menu will help to significantly diversify the diet.

2 Quince for the prevention and treatment of stomach ulcers

Scientists have found that quince is one of the products that prevent the development of stomach ulcers against the background of alcohol abuse. In addition, this valuable fruit contains unique compounds that prevent the reproduction of Helicobacter pylori, the main culprit in diseases of the digestive tract.

In the US alone, 4 million people are diagnosed with stomach ulcers every year. Risk factors are serious errors in diet and stress. The use of quince juice can reduce their effect on the body, reduce the likelihood of such a serious disease.

3 Helps fight inflammation

Quince is a source of vitamin C, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the immune system and the reduction of inflammation. With the help of this product, you can fill up to 25% of the daily requirement of the body. To get the maximum benefit from quince, you need to choose only ripe fruits.

Scientists have found that quince has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Eating it helps prevent the growth and reproduction of dangerous bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

4 Powerful antioxidant

Quince has strong antioxidant properties. Without them, the body cannot neutralize free radicals that damage cells and disrupt their structure. Therefore, quince should be included in the diet in order to prevent metabolic disorders and the development of chronic diseases.

Quince contains flavonoids such as kaempferol and quercetin. It has long been proven that they can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Moreover, quince juice is an excellent remedy for rejuvenating the skin of the face and repairing damage caused by oxidative stress and the aging process.

5 Quince against viruses

Many studies have shown that quince is a valuable source of phenols, which have long been used to more effectively treat influenza. Therefore, quince is recommended to be eaten during the cold season. Having a complex effect on the body, the fruit contributes to a speedy recovery.

All over the world, the beneficial properties of oranges are known, which are recommended to be included in the diet with the advent of autumn. With regard to quince, this statement is also true. With antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity, as well as antioxidant properties, the fruit is a real help in the fight against colds.

6 Improves digestion

Since ancient times, quince has been used to improve digestion and treat various disorders associated with the functioning of the digestive tract. If in past years people ate it, starting from observation and intuition, now its benefits for the stomach and intestines have been proven by science.

Scientists have found that quince is a product that can be used to prevent ulcerative colitis and other intestinal diseases. Its regular inclusion in the diet helps to cope with nausea and vomiting. The product can be eaten even by pregnant women suffering from toxicosis, especially in the morning.

7 Good for the cardiovascular system

Quince contains chlorogenic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, catechins and proanthocyanidins. Numerous studies have found that quince helps to normalize blood pressure. Cherries and apples have similar properties.

To obtain a positive effect, it is necessary to include quince in the diet regularly. And you need to eat it raw, without preliminary heat treatment.

8 Quince to normalize blood cholesterol levels

Quince contains soluble fiber, which does not contain a single gram of unhealthy fats. Therefore, people with high cholesterol levels can safely eat it. This product will not cause any side effects.

The problem is that quince retains the maximum of its properties if consumed raw. However, not everyone likes its taste. Cinnamon and anise will help to correct the situation, which, in combination with quince, give it excellent taste.

9 For cancer prevention

Quince is rich in antioxidants that help prevent abnormal cell division and prevent the development of cancerous tumors. By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants prevent their damaging effect on tissues and organs.

Quince juice is rich in tannins (catechin and epicatechin), which have astringent properties. They have been proven to help protect mucous membranes from cancer. Combining with toxins that form tumor cells, tannins quickly neutralize them.

10 Dealing with stress

Quince juice makes it easier to endure the nervous tension in which a person is during stress. In everyday life, it will not be possible to avoid it, but you can minimize the pathological effect of stress on the body with the help of this sunny fruit.

Scientists have found that this is due to the enormous amount of antioxidants found in quince. Therefore, it is recommended to include it in the diet of people who are during the day in increased nervous tension.

It turns out that quince is a favorite product of yogis, and all because of the fact that it has a pronounced sedative effect. During classes, it is not necessary to consume the whole fruit, you can prepare teas, juices and infusions based on it.

11 For sight

Quince in the West has long been used to treat eye diseases. To date, the fact that it improves vision and prevents the development of serious ophthalmic diseases has been proven by science. This is possible due to the fact that the fruit contains vitamins and trace elements useful for the eyes, namely:

• IN 1;

• IN 3;

• IN 6;

• Calcium;

• Potassium;

• Zinc;

• Folic acid and more.

Enhance the effect of antioxidants, which are rich in the product.

12 Quince – a product for liver health

Quince strengthens the immune system, forming the body’s resistance to various infections. In general, it has a positive effect on the condition of all organs, including the liver. To maintain her health in Chinese medicine, this fruit has been used for a long time.

13 Reduces allergy symptoms

Drinking quince pulp and juice helps reduce symptoms of allergies, asthma, and dermatitis. There is evidence that the product contains substances that can suppress the pathological activity of immune cells. It is those who are responsible for the development of an allergic reaction. Gencydo, an allergy drug, is even on sale, which includes quince with lemon juice. It is used to relieve well-being with severe allergy symptoms, such as: runny nose, watery eyes, itching, asthma and skin reactions.

The use of quince in various diseases

The unique properties of quince make it possible to use it as a means of reducing the negative effects on the body of viruses that cause influenza and various acute respiratory diseases. Juice and pulp, when used regularly, have a positive effect on the body with an increased content of cholesterol in the blood, treat the stomach and eliminate vomiting. The beneficial effect of quince on the gastrointestinal tract, on the process of digestion of food occurs due to the fiber contained in the fruits, this fruit can be safely included in the diet of people suffering from obesity.

The action of the beneficial properties of quince is noted in violations of the functions of the nervous system. Substances-antioxidants do an excellent job of restoring the body after stress and nervous strain. After drinking quince juice, mood improves, relief comes in patients with asthma. Quince helps with diseases of the ears, in the form of lotions, its decoction and juice are used for prolapse of the rectum and anal fissures. It is indicated for tracheitis, gastroenteritis, spastic colitis and flatulence. Pureed fresh boiled fruits are used for liver diseases, the juice is recommended for use in pulmonary tuberculosis.

Quince in cosmetology

A large amount of fruit acids contained in ripe and juicy fruits allows the use of quince pulp as cosmetic masks. Such masks have antiseptic and drying properties, nourish the skin well. To prepare them, a small amount of crushed pulp is mixed with various ingredients, which may be vegetable oils, egg yolk, starch, oatmeal or ground cereals.

For oily, tired skin and to remove teenage acne, the simplest mask is suitable. To prepare the mask, you need to grate the ripe quince fruit on a fine grater, and then apply the pulp in a thin layer on the face, leaving the areas around the eyes and lips open. The mask should be kept for no more than seven minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Combination and normal skin requires the use of such a mask: the pulp of one quince fruit, grated on a fine grater, is mixed with well-ground egg yolk and steamed oatmeal (to prepare flour, grind two tablespoons of oatmeal in a coffee grinder, then pour 50 ml of boiling water and let it steam well) , applied warmly on the skin of the face and décolleté for no more than 10-15 minutes. Then the mask is washed off with warm water. The face should be lightly blotted with a napkin several times. Do not wipe with a towel in any case.

An excellent effect has a quince mask, suitable for all skin types. To prepare it, you need to grate the pulp of the fruit, then mix it with a teaspoon of oatmeal (you can use rice, buckwheat or oatmeal) and corn starch. The mixture must be thoroughly mixed and applied to the skin. Keep the mask for at least 20 minutes, then rinse with water at room temperature. After applying the mask, it is not recommended to go outside for one hour.

Quince pulp is recommended to use for the preparation of various peeling masses and scrubs. Thanks to the use of these products, dead skin particles are exfoliated, its appearance improves, blood circulation is restored, due to which the complexion becomes healthier and more attractive.

To prepare the scrub, grind the quince fruit together with the seeds, add a tablespoon of coarse salt, mix well and immediately apply with light massage movements to the skin of the face and décolleté. After three minutes, the scrub must be washed off, then the skin should be blotted with a napkin. After an hour, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of nourishing cream to the skin. Thanks to this scrub, the skin will become softer and softer, its condition and appearance will improve.

It is recommended to use scrubs from quince fruits no more than once a week.

Quince pulp lotions have a good effect. In addition, they do not contain harmful dyes, preservatives and aromatic additives.

To give oily skin a healthy state, lotion with chicken yolk is suitable. It will help cleanse the skin of oily sheen and give it a velvety texture. To prepare such a lotion, you need to squeeze the juice from one fruit, add half a glass of purified medical alcohol and half a glass of camphor alcohol to it. The yolk of one egg should be beaten well, then the prepared solution should be introduced into it very slowly. Store the lotion in a cool, dark place.

You can prepare an infusion of quince, which will well cleanse the skin of the hands from dirt and fat, and nourish it. To do this, you need to cut the medium-sized quince fruit into small pieces, removing the seeds and the stalk. Then the quince needs to be poured with a glass of high-quality vodka. The tincture is aged in a cool dark place for half a month, then filtered. After that, you need to add a tablespoon of glycerin to it.

Traditional medicine recipes with quince

Ripe quince fruits are used to prepare tinctures and extracts for the treatment of anemia and anemia. A decoction of seeds is used for eye diseases, applying swabs moistened with decoction to inflamed eyes. A decoction of quince is recommended to be taken after a sunstroke, with edema, dyspepsia. Leaves, branch bark and young branches of quince are suitable for decoctions used in the treatment of diabetes and fever.

From quince, mucous decoctions are obtained, the enveloping properties of which protect the stomach from inflammatory processes, have a fastening effect in diarrhea and dysentery.

Recipe № 1: 10 g of crushed seeds must be poured with a glass of boiling water, boiled in a water bath for a quarter of an hour, then cooled and strained thoroughly. Take a decoction of 100 ml 3 times a day before meals for gastrointestinal ailments and sore throat, dry cough, skin diseases and burns.

Recipe № 2: 5 grams of leaves should be poured with 1 cup of hot water, boiled in a water bath for 15 minutes, cooled, strained, squeezing the raw material, and add the evaporated water. It is recommended to take the composition 2 tablespoons before meals 3-4 times a day for inflammatory diseases of the intestines and stomach, during asthmatic attacks.

Recipe № 3: cough, sore throat cut into small pieces of quince fruit should be poured with a glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes. You need to drink 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

Recipe № 4: 10 g of quince seeds should be poured into 1 liter of cold water, insisted for 10 hours, strained and taken 1/2–1 cup 3–4 times a day for colitis.

Recipe № 5: 1 st. a spoonful of dry partitions of the quince fruit should be brewed with a glass of boiling water, insist in a thermos for 3 hours, take two tablespoons during the day. The tool normalizes digestion, helps in the treatment of dysbacteriosis.

Recipe № 6: 1 st. a spoonful of dried quince flowers is poured with a glass of boiling water, insisted for ten hours, taken with the addition of honey, 0,5 cup three times a day.

Recipe № 7: 2 fruits must be poured with three glasses of water, boil for 10 minutes on low heat, leave for an hour. It is recommended to take 0,5 cup 3 times a day before meals for edema and diarrhea.

Recipe № 8: 1 st. pour a spoonful of leaves with a glass of boiling water, boil for 5-10 minutes, insist for an hour, then use it against sweating feet.

Recipe № 9: peel the fruit, remove the core, cut into slices, blanch for 15 minutes. Then the decoction is drained, filtered and 1 kg of sugar is added to 0,5 kg of quince. When the sugar melts, you need to throw boiled quince slices into the syrup and boil for 10 minutes, take 3-XNUMX tablespoons XNUMX times a day with water.

Syrup recipe: quince, cut into small pieces, must be poured with water and boiled until soft, then squeeze out the juice and continue cooking until a thick liquid is obtained. Delicious and healthy syrup is indicated for anemia.

Recipes with quince seeds

Quince seeds, namely their white shell containing mucous components, as well as fruits, is a valuable medicinal raw material. Seed decoctions relieve the condition of women with heavy menstruation, stop uterine bleeding.

Recipe № 1: 8 pieces of seeds need to pour 200 ml of boiling water and cook for 3 minutes. Drink a decoction should be 0,5 cup 3 times a day.

When using a decoction of the seeds, hemoptysis and uterine bleeding are eliminated.

Recipe № 2: 5-10 grams of seeds must be boiled in 100 ml of water until mucus forms. It is recommended to take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

Mucous decoctions from the seeds are useful for the treatment of inflammation of the eyes, with tonsillitis, skin irritations, burns, as a laxative. Quince seeds are brewed as a tea and drunk with a dry, debilitating cough. Healing infusions are also used, effectively curing various ailments.

Seed infusion: 1 tablespoon of seeds should be poured with one glass of water at room temperature and shaken vigorously for a couple of minutes. Take orally 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day before meals.

How to choose the right quince?

To choose a juicy and fresh quince, you need to carefully examine it. Quality product indicators:

• Even and smooth surface, free of stains and other visible defects.

• Bright yellow skin.

• Large or medium size. If the quince is small, it will be sour and dry.

Properly selected fruit can be stored for a long time.

How is quince eaten?

Quince is eaten with pleasure, it is perhaps the only fruit that has a specific, very tart taste when raw. Due to the hard skin and high density of the pulp, quince is not eaten like, for example, apples. Delicious quince dishes are appreciated in the Apennines and Sardinia. Quince slices boiled in honey are tastier than any candied fruits and marmalade.

To replenish the body with vitamins, quince juice is taken; it is easy to prepare it with a juicer. It must be remembered that quince contains tannins in large quantities, so its use should be moderate.

How to cook quince?

Quince fruits are hard with a sour taste. Boiled quince pleases with soft pulp, it is pinkish, sweet, with a granular texture, similar in taste to a pear.

Before cooking, quince fruits should be thoroughly cleaned of fluffy plaque, washed well, and in some cases you may even have to remove the skin. The fruits must be cut in half, the core removed (partitions and seeds should be dried and used to prepare decoctions and infusions, and the cut peel is boiled in a small amount of sugar syrup, it becomes fragrant and can be added to any quince dishes).

In order for the fruit to become soft, the pieces are blanched in water for 25 minutes, the broth is drained, filtered, sugar is added (800 g per 3 cups of broth), brought to a boil, stirring occasionally. The saucepan with syrup is removed from the heat, ready-made pieces of quince are added and left to infuse for several hours. After a while, the syrup is boiled again, citric acid is added. Slices with this method of preparation become transparent, dense and very tasty.

[Video] Top 5 BEST quince dishes: