Isfahan

Try these similar varieties

• 
  Iranian Medlar
• 
  Iranian Quince
• 
  Shams
• 
  Gojeh Sabz

History and description of Isfahan

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. The variety often fruits better after a wet but warm spring and early summer.

Characteristics of Isfahan quince and medlar trees

Use	Culinary
Colour
Flavour
Fruit size	Large
Picking time	Oct
Season of use	Oct-Nov
Tree vigour	Moderate
Tree habit	Spreading
Fruit-bearing
Cropping
Pollination date	0
Pollination group
Self-fertility	Self-fertile
Pollinators	Pollination partners