Health Benefits

Health benefits of Chinese Quince

Chinese quince, also known as Chinese flowering quince or Chaenomeles speciosa, is a type of bush that bears fruit. It is a part of the Rosaceae family, and like other plants in the Chaenomeles genus, it has colorful flowers and fruit that you can eat. The plant grows naturally in the mountains of central and eastern China. Some common names for the plants are Chinese quince, Maule’s quince, Flowering quince, Fire blight-resistant pear, Chinese flowering quince, Apple quince, Chinese flowering pear, Chinese apple, Chinese pear, Oriental quince, Chinese kumquat, Fire blight-resistant quince, Ornamental quince, Chinese bush cherry, Japanese quince, Chinese golden apple, and Chaenomeles.

The name of the genus Chaenomeles comes from the Greek words chaino, which mean to gape or yawn, and melos, which means apple. This is a reference to the way the flowers of this genus are open or gaping, like an apple bud. The word sinensis comes from the Latin language and means “of or from China.” It means that Chaenomeles sinensis comes from China or is mostly found there. The plant is taken from the wild and used as food, medicine, and a source of materials. The fruits are sold in local stores. The plant is sometimes grown for its fruits, and sometimes it’s grown for its looks.

Chinese quince Facts

Chinese quince Quick Facts
Name: Chinese quince
Scientific Name: Chaenomeles sinensis
Origin Mountainous regions of central and eastern China
Colors Initially green turning to yellowish-green color with a fuzzy texture as they mature
Shapes Small to medium-sized, typically measuring about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 centimeters) in diameter
Taste Delightful blend of tartness, sweetness, and astringency
Health benefits Digestive disorders, coughs, skin conditions, common cold, sore throats, mastitis, diarrhea, inflammatory diseases, mastitis and tuberculosis.
Name Chinese quince
Scientific Name Chaenomeles sinensis
Native Mountainous regions of central and eastern China
Common Names Chinese quince, Flowering quince, Ornamental quince, Chinese flowering quince, Chinese flowering pear, Chinese golden apple, Chinese apple, Chinese pear, Chinese kumquat, Chinese bush cherry, Fire blight-resistant pear, Fire blight-resistant quince, Apple quince, Japanese quince, Maule’s quince, Chaenomeles, Oriental quince, Japanese apple, Rock quince, Hawfinch apple, Scarlet storm quince, Toyo-Nishiki quince, Japanese flowering quince, Kwanzan quince, Crimson and Gold quince, Salmon pink quince, Pink Lady quince, Double take series quince, Red star quince, Fruiting quince, Hardy quince, Winter quince, Rose quince
Name in Other Languages Afrikaans: Chinese kweper
Albanian: Spec i Kinezëve
Amharic: Quince China
Arabic: Al-safarjal alsini (السفرجل الصيني), Safarjal sini (سفرجل صيني)
Armenian: Khenomeles ch’inakan (խենոմելես չինական)
Assamese: China kuins (চীনা কুইন্স)
Basque: Txinako lemoa
Belarusian: Chienamielies kitajski (хенамелес кітайскі)
Bengali: China koinz (চীনা কইন্স)
Bosnian: Kineska dunja
Breton: Krugenonez
Bulgarian: Kitayska dyulya (Китайска дюля)
Catalan: Codonyer xinès
Chichewa: Quince ya China
Chinese: Zhōnghuá mùguā (中華木瓜), Hai tang,  Mu gua,  Mu li, mù guā (木瓜), Míng zhā (榠樝), Mùguā hé (木瓜核), Mùguā pí (木瓜皮), Mùguā zhī (木瓜枝), Suān mùguā (酸木瓜), Mùguā gēn (木瓜根), Mùguā huā (木瓜花), Mùguā (mó zhā, zhā) (木瓜(模楂、楂)), Míng zhā (冥楂), Mùguā (木瓜), Hǎitáng (海棠)
Corsican: Cotugnu chinu
Croatian: Kineska dunja
Czech: Křížal japonský, kdoulovec čínský
Danish: Kinesisk kvæde
Dutch: Chinese kweepeer, Chinese kweeappel
English: Flowering quince, Chinese-quince
Estonian: Hiina kibuvits
Fijian: Dua ni quince e Saina
Finnish: Kiinanruusunmarja
French: Cognassier de Chine, Coing de Chine
Galician: Marmeleiro chines
German: Chinesische Quitte, Chinesischer Quittenbaum, chinesische Scheinquitte
Greek: Kinezikí kydonía (Κινεζική κυδώνια), Kinézikο agkinári (Κινέζικο αγκινάρι), Kinézikο kissómilo (Κινέζικο κισσόμηλο)
Gujarati: Chāinīj kwinzs (ચાઇનીઝ ક્વિન્સ)
Hausa: Quince na Sin
Hawaiian: Pūpūka hua Kina
Hebrew: Havatzelat sinit (חבצלת סינית), Havatzelat sinitit (חבצלת סיניתית)
Hindi: Cheenee kwinz (चीनी क्विंस), Chainīz qīns (चायनीज़ क़ीन्स)
Hungarian: Kínai birs
Icelandic: Kínversk þörungaplant
Igbo: Nwanyị Chiina
Indonesian: Buah kunci Tiongkok, Apel kuin Cina, Buah kuin Cina
Irish: Coinínis tsean-Choire
Italian: Mele cotogne cinese, Cotogno cinese
Japanese: Niwanashi (ニワナシ), Karanashi (カラナシ), Karin (カリン), Kiboke (キボケ), karino (カリノ)
Kashmiri: Cheeni quince (چینی کوئنس)
Kinyarwanda: Quince ya China
Konkani: Chini kwinz (चीनी क्विन्स)
Korean: Hwanggeum bae (황금 배), Jungguk bae (중국 배), mo gwa na mu (모과나무)
Lithuanian: Kininė kriaušė
Latvian: Ķīnas ābols
Macedonian: Kineska kvince (Кинеска квинце)
Malagasy: Voanavony Sinoa
Malay: Quince Cina, Kuin Cina, Pokok kuin Cina
Maltese: Kwiċċin tal-Ċina
Manipuri: China kuins (চীনা কুইন্স)
Maori: Kapuhi Haina
Marathi: Chīnī kwinz (चीनी क्विंस)
Norwegian: Kinesisk kvede
Oromo: Quince Tsainaa
Polish: Pigwa chińska, Pigwowiec chiński
Portuguese: Marmeleiro chines, Marmelo chines, Marmeleiro da China
Punjabi: Cīnī kuvins (ਚੀਨੀ ਕੁਵਿਂਸ), Cīnī kuviṁsa (ਚੀਨੀ ਕੁਵਿੰਸ)
Romanian: Gutuia chineză
Russian: Kitayskaya aiva (Китайская айва), Ayva kitayskaya (Айва китайская)
Samoan: Quince Saina
Scottish Gaelic: Crann coingeis Shìona
Serbian: Kineska kvinca (Кинеска квинца)
Sesotho: Qoentshe ea China
Setswana: Quince ya China
Shona: Quince yaseChina
Sindhi: Cheeni quince (چيني ڪوئنس)
Slovak: Čínska kutina
Slovenian: Kitajska kutina
Somali: Uunsi Qunis
Sotho: Qoentshe ea China
Spanish: Membrillo chino, Membrillero chino
Swahili: Quince ya Kichina
Swazi: Iquince yaseChina
Swedish: Kinesisk kvitten
Tahitian: Kōnihi porokini
Tamil: Cīṉa kiṉs (சீன கின்ஸ்), Cīṉa kuviṉs (சீன குவின்ஸ்)
Telugu: Chainīs kwinzs (చైనీస్ క్విన్స్), Caina kvinzs (చైనా క్విన్స్)
Thai: Lūksālī jīn (ลูกสาลี่จีน), Lūksǒmthai jīn (ลูกส้มไทยจีน) / Lūkmeuangthai jīn (ลูกเมืองไทยจีน)
Tigrinya: Quince China
Tongan: Siensi kuinsi
Turkish: Çin ayvası, Çin elması
Ukrainian: Kitayska aiva (Китайська айва), Ayva kytaysʹka (Айва китайська)
Urdu: Cheeni quince (چینی کوئنس)
Venda: Quince ya China
Vietnamese: Cây mệ quất Trung Quốc, Mộc qua Trung Quốc, Mận Trung Quốc, Cóc Trung Quốc
Welsh: Cywydd Tsieineaidd, Mwyar Tsieinaidd
Xhosa: Iquince yaseChina
Xitsonga: Quince ya China
Yoruba: Apu Chaiina
Zimbabwean Ndebele: Quince yaseChina
Zulu: Iquince yaseChina
Plant Growth Habit Unarmed, deciduous to semi-evergreen, medium-sized shrub or a small tree
Growing Climates Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Select a location in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Ensure the soil is well-draining and fertile, as the plant prefers moderately moist conditions
Soil Prefers well-draining soil that is fertile and moderately moist. It can tolerate various soil types but performs best in loamy or sandy soil
Plant Size Grow between 1.5 to 3 meters (5 to 10 feet) in height and spread
Root The main anchor of the plant is the taproot, which gives it structure and support. From the taproot, a lot of straight roots grow out.
Stem Stem is made of wood and has a circular shape. It is made up of different layers and cells that work together to support the plant and move things that are important to it
Bark Bark is usually rough and can have different patterns on it. As the plant grows, it may get furrows, ridges, or shallow lines
Leaf Leaves are alternately arranged, simple, 6–12 cm long and 3–6 cm broad, and with serrated margin
Flowering season From February to April
Flower Flowers are 2.5–4 cm diameter, with five pale pink petals; flowering is in mid spring
Fruit Shape & Size Small to medium-sized, typically measuring about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 centimeters) in diameter.
Fruit Color Initially green turning to  yellowish-green color with a fuzzy texture as they mature
Seed Small and oval-shaped
Flavor/Aroma Sweet, floral, and subtly fragrant
Taste Delightful blend of tartness, sweetness, and astringency
Plant Parts Used Fruit, seeds, bark, flower
Propagation By seed, Stem cutting, layering, grafting and division
Lifespan Can live for 20 to 30 years or more
Season From August to October
Major Nutrition
  • Vitamin C
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Potassium
  • Vitamin A
  • Antioxidants
  • Calcium
Varieties • Crimson and Gold
• Nikko
• Chojuraku
• Cido
• Jet Trail
• Toyo-Nishiki
• Cameo
• Sargentii
• Chojuho
• Hollandia
• Contorta
• Crimson Storm
• Sargentii Splendens
• Moerloosei
• Cameo Quince
• Cido Oriental
• Pink Lady
• Scarlet Storm
• Simone
• Ruby
Health benefits
  • Digestive Health
  • Immune System Support
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Anti-Inflammatory Properties
  • Skin Health
  • Weight Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Antioxidant Protection
  • Anti-Diabetic Effects
  • Nutritional Benefits
  • Anti-Cancer Potential
  • Urinary Tract Health
  • Eye Health
  • Anti-Aging Effects

Plant Description

Chinese quince is a medium-sized shrub or small tree that grows between 1.5 and 3 meters (5 to 10 feet) in height and width. It has no thorns and is either semi-evergreen or loses its leaves in the autumn.  The tree’s top is full and round. Most of the time, the branches are long, arched, and full of thorns. Depending on the type of plant and how it is pruned or trained, the general shape can be different. The plant does best in either full sun or some shade. Choose a spot in your yard that gets sunlight for at least six hours a day. The plant does best in rich, fairly moist soil that drains well. It can grow in many kinds of soil, but it does best in sandy or loamy soil. Make sure the dirt drains well so it doesn’t get waterlogged. Too much water can cause root rot. Once it is established, the shrub is easy to take care of and only needs a modest amount of water.

Appropriate growing environment for Chinese quince

Chinese quince thrives in specific growing conditions. Here’s an overview of the appropriate growing environment for Chinese quince:

Roots

Most Chinese quinces have a taproot system, which means they have one main root that goes straight down. The main anchor of the plant is the taproot, which gives it structure and support. From the taproot, a lot of straight roots grow out. These side roots grow in different ways, branching off and going deeper into the ground. They are very important because they help plants get water and nutrients from the dirt around them. Chinese quince also grows adventitious roots, which are roots that grow from parts of the plant that are not roots, like stems or twigs. Most of the time, these roots grow near the base of the plant and help it take in more nutrients and hold itself up.

There are many small root hairs on the roots. These root hairs make the roots much bigger, which makes it easier for the plant to take in water and nutrients. Most of the nutrients are taken in through the root hairs.

Stem

Most of the time, the stem is made of wood and has a circular shape. It is made up of different layers and cells that work together to support the plant and move things that are important to it. The bark, which is the top layer of the stem, acts as a protective layer. The bark can be rough and brownish-gray, but this is not always the case. Under the bark is a thin layer of cells called the epidermis, which covers the stem. The epidermis keeps the body from losing too much water and protects the organs underneath.

Under the skin is a part of the stem called the cortex, which is made up of parenchyma cells. The cortex gives the plant structure and is a place where nutrients are stored. Vascular bundles, which are made up of xylem and phloem tissues, are embedded in the brain. The xylem moves water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant, while the phloem moves sugars and other organic chemicals from the leaves to the rest of the plant. There are small, raised bumps called lenticels on the surface of the stem. Lenticels let gas move between the stem and the air around it, which helps the plant breathe. As the stem gets older, more and more xylem tissue builds up. This makes wood. The wood gives the stem strength and stiffness, which helps it hold up the weight of the leaves, flowers, and fruits.

Bark

Bark is usually rough and can have different patterns on it. As the plant grows, it may get furrows, ridges, or shallow lines. The bark can be any color between brown and greyish brown. Cork cells, which are dead cells with thick walls, make up the bark’s top layer. These cells offer extra protection by making a barrier that keeps water from escaping and keeps microorganisms out.

There are small, raised bumps called lenticels all over the surface of the bark. Lenticels make it possible for gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide to move between the inside of the stem and the air around it. They make it easier for the plant to breathe. The bark’s main job is to guard the stem’s inner tissues from damage, disease, and other stresses from the environment. It works as a barrier against things like bugs, diseases, and extreme temperatures that come from the outside.

Leaves

On the stems, the leaves are grouped in pairs. This means that each leaf is placed on its own and changes sides as you move up the stem. Most leaves are oval or ovate, which means they are narrow and long with points at the ends. Leaves can have smooth or slightly jagged edges. The leaves have a pinnate vein pattern, which is made up of a prominent midrib going down the middle of the leaf and smaller veins that branch off from it. The top side of the leaves is smooth and shiny, while the bottom side is generally rougher and less shiny. Depending on the type of Chinese quince, the taste may be a little different.

The leaves are usually a dark green color, which makes them look nice next to the flowers and fruits. Different types may be a little different shades of green. The size of the leaves can change based on how old the plant is and what kind it is. Most of the time, the leaves are between 3 and 7 cm long. Stipules are small, leaf-like parts that grow at the bottom of leaf stalks. They are often found with leaves. Stipules can be different sizes and shapes, and when the leaf bud is young, they protect it. The leaves are very important to the growth and life of the plant as a whole. They use sunshine to turn carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates and oxygen through a process called photosynthesis. The leaves also help the process of transpiration, in which extra water vapor is released through small holes on the leaf surface called stomata. Also, the leaves help the plant breathe, which lets the plant and the air around it trade gases.

Flowers

The flowers of the Chinese quince grow from the leaf axils, which are the angles between the top of a leaf and the tree. They can be found alone or in small groups on the trees. Most Chinese quince flowers are single, which means they grow on their own instead of in groups or inflorescences. Each flower has several petals that are all lined up in the same way. The shape of the flower is like a bowl or cup, and it has five petals that are often round or oval. Depending on the cultivar, the petals can be different colors of red, pink, orange, or even white. Chinese quince flowers can be small or medium-sized, but they are usually small. The flowers range in size from about 2 to 5 centimeters across.

The flowers of the Chinese quince usually bloom in late winter or early spring, before the leaves are fully grown. The flowering time can change based on the type of plant and the weather. Some cultivars make flowers that smell good, which adds to their total beauty. But not all types have a smell that you can smell. Insects, like bees and butterflies, are drawn to the bright colors and nectar of Chinese quince flowers. The flowers have both male and female sexual parts, so they can pollinate themselves. Cross-pollination between different plants, on the other hand, can happen and lead to genetic variation. The flowers of the Chinese quince are very valuable as decorations. They are often grown because of how bright and beautiful they look, which makes them popular in parks, landscapes, and flower arrangements.

Fruits

The form and look of Chinese quince fruits are unique. Most of the time, they are round or slightly oblong, and their skin is rough. When the fruit is ready, the skin can be yellow, greenish yellow, or golden. Chinese quince fruits are usually small to medium in size, with a width of about 5 to 8 centimeters on average. But the size of the fruit can change based on the cultivar. The skin of Chinese quince fruits is generally rough and feels a little fuzzy or velvety to the touch. When it’s not ripe, the fruit’s flesh is hard and crisp, but as it ripens, it gets softer and juicier.

When eaten raw, the taste is sour and acidic. They have a unique flavor that tastes like apple and pear mixed together. Some kinds may taste a little sweeter than others. People often use Chinese quince fruits in cooking and other food preparations. You can use them to make jams, jellies, preserves, and sweets with fruit. They can also be used to add a tangy flavor to savory meals like stews or braised dishes.

Seeds

Most of the time, the seeds of a Chinese quince are small and oval-shaped. They have a hard shell around the seed that protects the baby inside. The seeds can be different colors, but most of the time they are dark brown or black. The seeds are in the middle or core of the fruit. The meat or pulp surrounds the seeds. When conditions are right, the seeds of a Chinese quince can sprout and grow into new plants. When the seed has enough water, air, and the right temperature, the process of germination begins.

History

Chinese quince comes from China and has been grown there for thousands of years. People think it came from the hilly areas of central and eastern China. In the 1800s, the Chinese quince was brought to Europe. European botanists and explorers saw how beautiful and useful it could be for gardening. This led to it being grown in gardens and farms all over the continent. As an ornamental plant, Chinese quince became famous in Europe and other parts of the world. Its colorful flowers, tasty fruits, and thorny branches made it a popular plant for parks and other outdoor spaces. Today, the Chinese quince is grown in many places with temperatures that are good for it, such as Europe, North America, and Asia. It is grown both as a decoration and for the fruit it makes.

Varieties of Chinese quince in detail

The Chinese quince is a species that encompasses several cultivated varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some notable varieties of Chinese quince in detail:

Health benefits of Chinese quince

Here are the detailed health benefits of Chinese quince

1. Digestive Health

Chinese quince is a great source of fiber, which helps the body digest food. Fiber makes the stool bulky, which keeps you from getting constipated and helps you have regular bowel movements. It also helps control blood sugar levels and lowers the risk of gut problems like hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and colorectal cancer.

2. Immune System Support

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that helps the immune system. Chinese quince is full of it. Vitamin C helps the body make more white blood cells, makes them work better, and keeps infections and diseases at bay. When you eat Chinese quince on a regular basis, it can make common illnesses like colds and flu less severe and last less time.

3. Cardiovascular Health

Antioxidants like phenolic substances and flavonoids, which are found in Chinese quince, help lower oxidative stress and inflammation in the cardiovascular system. This is good for the heart because it lowers the chance of heart disease, lowers cholesterol levels, and stops blood clots from forming.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Natural anti-inflammatory chemicals like quercetin and kaempferol are found in Chinese quince. These chemicals help lower inflammation all over the body, which makes it easier to deal with conditions like arthritis, asthma, and allergies that cause inflammation. Chinese quince may help avoid chronic diseases like diabetes and some types of cancer by reducing inflammation.

5. Skin Health

Because it has a lot of vitamin C, Chinese quince is good for keeping skin healthy. Vitamin C is a key part of collagen production, which keeps skin flexible and makes wrinkles less noticeable. Chinese quince has antioxidants that protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and the environment. This helps the skin look young and healthy.

6. Weight Management

Chinese quince has few calories and a lot of fiber, which makes it a good addition to plans to lose weight. Because fiber makes you feel full, you eat fewer calories in general. It also helps digestion and keeps you from eating too much, which can help you lose weight or keep it the same.

7. Respiratory Health

In traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese quince is used to treat lung problems like coughs, pneumonia, and asthma. It helps calm the respiratory system, reduces inflammation, and loosens mucus, which makes breathing easier and relieves respiratory symptoms.

8. Antioxidant Protection

Chinese quince is full of antioxidants, which help the body get rid of dangerous free radicals. By lowering oxidative stress, these antioxidants help protect cells from damage, lower the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease, and slow down the ageing process.

9. Anti-Diabetic Effects

Some studies show that Chinese quince might help people with diabetes. It has been shown to help control blood sugar and make insulin work well, which can be helpful for people who have diabetes or are at risk of getting it. But more study is needed to fully understand how it works and how well it helps manage diabetes.

10. Nutritional Benefits

Chinese quince is a nutrient-dense fruit that provides important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It has important nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, calcium, iron, and dietary fiber.

11. Anti-Cancer Potential

Some tests show that Chinese quince may be able to help fight cancer. Researchers have found that quercetin and kaempferol, two of its bioactive chemicals, can help fight cancer. But more research needs to be done to fully understand how and why Chinese quince works in preventing and treating cancer.

12. Urinary Tract Health

People know that Chinese quince has properties that make you pee more, which is good for the health of your urinary system. It could help get rid of toxins, stop urinary tract infections, and help the kidneys work better.

13. Eye Health

Vitamin A and other antioxidants found in Chinese quince are good for eye health. These nutrients help protect the eyes from oxidative stress, lower the chance of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, and improve vision.

14. Anti-Aging Effects

Chinese quince might be able to slow the ageing process because it has vitamins and nutrients. They help fight oxidative stress, lessen the look of lines, make skin more flexible, and support the health of cells as a whole.

Culinary Uses of Chinese quince

Chinese quince is not commonly consumed raw due to its tart and astringent taste. However, the fruit is highly valued for its culinary uses when cooked or processed. Here are some popular culinary applications of Chinese quince:

Different uses of Chinese quince

Chinese quince has a range of uses beyond culinary applications. Here are different uses of Chinese quince in detail:

Side effects of Chinese quince

While Chinese quince is generally safe for consumption and use, it’s important to note that individual sensitivities and reactions can vary. Here are some potential side effects or considerations associated with Chinese quince:

References:

http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl/record/tro-27806378

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=565928#null

https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Chaenomeles+sinensis

https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/PDCSI

https://temperate.theferns.info/plant/Chaenomeles+sinensis

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/129657-Chaenomeles-sinensis

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