Quince has a golden yellow color and is pear shaped. Messinia cultivates the Greek varieties ‘afrata’ and ‘melokydona’ as well as the varieties Portogallo, Mammoth, Gigante di Vranja. Quince is commonly used for spoon sweets and quince paste (pastokydono), and less in cooking.
Quince is low in calories and rich in carbohydrates. It also contains significant amounts of vitamins, like C and A, thiamine, riboflavin and pyridoxine. In regards to minerals, it has potassium, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Quince has antioxidant substances that have anti-ageing effects, possible anti-cancer properties and are beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Finally, quince is a low glycemic index fruit and is considered suitable fruit for people with diabetes.