when is quince ready to harvest?

Question

Our new flat has a quince tree in the garden. It is really heavy with fruit and the fruit is already pretty huge. Does anyone know when to harvest quince? Some have come away easily already so I did an experimental pudding with it (baked with honey) but it had a really bitter aftertaste. Is it still unripe and
will it ever ripen in the uk? I hate to waste it if I can cook them but I have never dealt with quince before!

Thanks for your help

Answer 1

The appearance of the mature fruit differs depending on the climate. Colder regions develop fruits with woolly rough rinds while in warmer climates the rind looses its woolly character. When ripe It gives off a strong scent and its hard flesh is very bitter when raw.
http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/quince.htm

Rich in tannin and pectin, the quince must always be cooked in order to achieve its delicate and flavourful potential. Its flesh is firm, tough, acidic and astringent and it gives off a strong odour, which is passed on to everything with which it comes in contact. In Europe it is used to make jam, candy and liquor. The word "marmalade" comes from the Portuguese "inannelo" or "marmelo," meaning quince. In fact, until the end of the 18th century, marmalade was made almost exclusively of quinces!
http://www.theworldwidegourmet.com/fruits/pear/quince.htm

Harvest fruit when they are golden yellow.
Quinces are too hard, astringent and sour to eat raw unless 'bletted' (softened by frost). They are used to make jam, jelly and quince pudding, or they may be peeled, then roasted. The very strong perfume means they can be added in small quantities to apple pies and jam to enhance the flavour
http://www.edinformatics.com/culinaryarts/food_encyclopedia/quince.htm

Some Quince are ornamentals & will produce fruits that are hard and nearly inedible, though they have a high pectin content and are occasionally mixed with other fruits in jellies and preserves.
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/extension/commercial/fruit/mfruit/quince.html

Answer 2

When Are Quinces Ripe

Answer 3

you really think this is the darkest hour for our nation? ever heard of the depression? world war 2? i mean, yeah, it's pretty bad, and if the religious right continues to get their way it WILL get worse, but we aren't there yet.

Answer 4

They will be yellow, yet quite firm. Don't expect it to be soft.
Even baked they aren't very sweet. Enjoy!!