Isfahan quince comes from the ancient city of Isfahan in Iran famous for its quinces. It is a high
quality quince suitable for a wide range of culinary uses.
The fruit is quite large, pear shaped, lemon yellow when ripe with a distinctive quince aroma.
Unlike most quince varieties commonly grown in the UK which have very astringent and gritty flesh,
Isfahan is quite sweet and apart from the core has fine textured flesh. While it would not normally
be eaten fresh it is quite palatable uncooked. When cooked it keeps its shape and will turn pink or
even a deep red in colour. It is not very suitable for jelly making as the flesh does not break up,
but it is excellent for making preserves or pies. It is also excellent for using in various meat and
vegetable casserole dishes to which it gives its distinctive aroma and flavour.
The tree is quite vigorous and fairly upright. The tree should be planted in a warm sheltered spot as it will not be a reliable cropper in a shaded location. It is slightly susceptible to canker and therefore less suitable for wetter regions of the country.
Characteristics of Isfahan quince and medlar trees