Pineapple Quince

Small semi-dwarf tree, shrubby form with gnarled twisted wood at maturity. Self-fertile. Late bloomer, ripens late summer. Cold hardy yet low chilling requirement. Vigorous growing, extra large leaves. Adapts to wide range soils, prefers well-drained loams. Hardy, drought resistant once established. Susceptible to fireblight, apple borers. Requires light nitrogen fertilization to avoid excessive vegetative growth.

Profuse ornamental display of large single white blooms tinged with dusky rose pink in late spring on terminal portion of new growth. Large smooth pale to light golden-yellow fruit shaped like cross between pear and apple. Lightly fuzzy golden-yellow skin (fuzzy disappears when fully ripe). Tart white flesh, high pectin content. Heavy crops, intensely fragrant, firm and sweet/tart. Too tart/firm for fresh eating in most regions (sweeter and milder than most varieties, occasionally eaten raw especially in California). Aromatic fruit stores beautifully in cool dark basement/garage for months. Used for baking, jellies, preserves, winemaking, hard cider. Ripens late August through late winter. Deep yellow color when mature. Distinctive pineapple-like sweet/tart flavor and touch of pineapple aroma.

Luther Burbank selection from turn of 20th century. At that time almost every rural family had fruiting quince tree for medicine, pectin, fragrant long-lasting fruits.