The common quince Cydonia oblonga, originally from Asia, is grown commercially in small quantities in Australia. It grows in cooler subtropical areas to cold temperate regions, and has a culture similar to that of apples and pears. Fifteen varieties have been grown at Orange Agricultural Institute. Harvesting ranges from midFebruary in warmer areas with the very early Missouri Mammoth, to late April in cooler districts with the Van Deman. Because of small production, the amount of fruit reaching the fresh fruit market can sell at attractive prices. There are difficulties, however, in producing high quality fruit. The fruit is used fresh, stewed, preserved or made into jams and jellies. Most varieties cook up to an attractive pink colour but sometimes the pink colour can be very pale or even yellow see Table 1. All quince jellies are a rich pink colour.

Address: NSW DPI, Locked Bag 21, Orange NSW 2800
Telephone: 1800 808 095
Website: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/horticulture/pomes/other/quince-growing