Two major varieties, perfumed quince and pineapple quince, are commonly sold in the U.S. Both must be cooked before eating. Perfumed quince is shaped like a mini football with smooth, yellow skin. It has white flesh that is tart. Pineapple quince is round or pear-shaped, with golden-yellow skin, white flesh, and an acidic, pineapple flavor. The fruit it most often cooked or preserved because of its high pectin content and made into sauces, jams, or candy. Quince is available year-round from a variety of countries with short availability gaps.
