Chinese quince is a fragrant oval-shaped fruit with a yellow skin and firm, sour flesh. The fruits ripen in October, and they can be harvested before the very onset of the first autumn frosts. If stored properly, they can be consumed fresh until early April.
Quince can be classified as a medicinal plant. The high content of pectin substances in it is very useful for people whose professional activities are associated with hazardous production, or for those who live in areas with an environmentally unfavorable environment.
Not only the fresh fruits of the plant have medicinal properties, but also the seeds rich in iron, which are harvested in the process of processing the fruits. A considerable amount of tannins and mucous substances present in the composition of quince seeds determines their healing qualities. In folk medicine, decoctions are prepared from seeds, which have a mild laxative and enveloping property. Such a decoction is very effective for diseases of the respiratory tract to get rid of cough. The enveloping properties of the broth make it possible to use it in the form of lotions, which perfectly help with eye diseases. The same broth is used as a cosmetic product that softens the skin.
For medicinal purposes, quince seeds are dried at a temperature not reaching 50 ° C.
For a long time, Chinese quince has been used to reduce symptoms of periodontal disease and pain in hemorrhoids. In this case, lotions and compresses based on quince juice are great. Fresh fruits are used for anemia, as well as a choleretic agent. A decoction of plant leaves allows you to get rid of the appearance of premature gray hair. Jam, jam, quince jam are great for treating inflammatory bowel diseases.
Quince is a plant related to pear and apple, but due to its astringent and tart taste, it is rarely eaten raw. Fortunately, dishes made from this fruit retain all of its medicinal qualities.
Quince is rich in biologically active substances, especially malic, citric and tartronic acids. In addition, it contains zinc, iron, phosphorus, calcium, copper and pectins. The bright yellow fruits are rich in vitamins C, E, B1, B2, PP and provitamin A. The plant also has antiviral and antioxidant properties. The juice of ripe fruits can have a tonic and diuretic effect. The fruits of this plant are often used as a hemostatic, antiemetic and fastening agent. Due to the content of fructose, ascorbic acid, starch and gum, quince is a valuable food product.
The features of the chemical composition of this fruit largely depend on the variety and place of growth of plants, but their main useful quality is considered to be high nutritional value. This can be explained by the fact that ripe fruits contain a large percentage of fructose and other useful sugars, essential oils, tannins, vitamins, citric and malic acids. There are many ethyl esters in the skin of these fruits, which give the fruit a peculiar and specific aroma. Its juice contains a large amount of gum, sugar, ascorbic and malic acid. The seeds are rich in mucus, tannins, starch, amygdalin glycoside, and fatty oil.
Due to the unique properties of Chinese quince, it is used as an antiviral agent. Regular consumption of juice and pulp of fruits can have a beneficial effect on the body with an increased content of cholesterol in the blood, and also heals the stomach and relieves vomiting. This fruit can be added to the diet of people prone to obesity. This effect is due to the fact that quince has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract and, in general, on the process of food digestion due to the high content of fiber in its fruits.
