Quince

The quince (Cydonia oblonga) is a deciduous tree that produces a pome fruit, similar in appearance to a pear, and bright golden-yellow when mature. The fruit is rich in pectin, making it a popular choice for jellies and jams. Quince is native to the Caucasus region, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years, and is now grown in temperate regions worldwide. In Hebrew, the quince is known as בְּעַל-הַדְּבָרִים (Be'al HaDvarim). Other relevant translations include Memelo in Spanish, Koidzume in Japanese, and Chaidari in Greek. The tree is cold-hardy and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained, loamy soils. Quince fruit is not typically eaten raw due to its hard texture and tart flavor but is highly valued in cooked and processed forms for its unique aroma and flavor.