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Quince
‘An enduring fruit that appeared in the ancient Greek and
Roman times and was considered an emblem of love, happiness and
fruitfulness. It was dedicated to both the goddesses of love, Venus
and Aphrodite. Quince, have a delightful fragrance and a rich full
flavour which will not be enjoyed raw but is wonderful cooked in
fruit dishes and conserves, where it takes on a wonderful dark red
colour.
Quince thrives in a sunny sheltered site protected from wind and
frost, preferring heavy moist soils. Train to an open-centred vase
shape with lateral branches pruned back to maintain a good shape.
Fruit is borne on the tips of branches of the current season’s
growth.
SMYRNA
An excellent variety for all purposes, the tree produces very large
fruit, at a young age. It is a strong grower and extremely productive.
The fruit is a pale lemon-yellow colour with smooth skin and a distinctive
aroma. The flesh is tender and sweet when cooked. Matures approx
late February/March. A self-fertile variety growing to 3-4 metres.
TAIHAPE
Again an excellent variety of Quince that can be seen at the "Brown
Sugar Cafe" in Taihape in all its glory. The fruit is a lemon
colour and the tree is a spectacular sight when in full fruit. The
variety has the distinction of seemingly being unaffected by fungal
diseases such as pear scab and fleck. This indicates it is a good
variety to grow in organic conditions. Matures in February to March
and is a self-fertile variety. Grows to 3-4 metres.
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