Quince HQ

Having returned from a month-long trip to Europe, it is a truism that it’s not the destination that matters so much as the journey, like those unplanned moments of joy, unexpected friendships created, and seeing/doing/tasting something for the first time. Cooking a new recipe, like the festive-looking Belgium buns pictured, can be equally adventurous. There’s nothing like testing a new recipe once, twice, and in this case, three times in as many days to understand the techniques and processes required for success (and happiness). That said, here are some more European-inspired quince connections to feast on.

Some fascinating, and slightly obscure, European connections with quinces,
Let’s celebrate with a Quince Festival or two,
Nostradamus knew how to make a quince jelly fit for a king,
What’s happening in the orchard and garden,
A German folk tale about Max and Moritz, c. 1865, and
A Belgian bun recipe with a quince twist.

‘Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is more important than the outcome.’ Arthur Ashe

Cathy x

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When summer slips away and the leaves begin to fall, quinces are readying their magic powers

It’s a fruit with personality: voluptuous, sensual, golden, fragrant, sublimely aromatic, and oh so versatile. It’s true that they aren’t much fun to eat raw … but the wow factor comes during cooking: Quince + sweetener + heat + time = heaven on a spoon. Pure alchemy.

Though related to apples and pears - which you can tell by their shape - they are botanically different. Their fancy name is Cydonia oblonga; one that shouts back to ancient Greece where the very best quinces in the world were grown in Kydonia, on the island of Crete.

All 16 known quince varieties currently in Australia are growing in the Quince HQ orchard.

Quince HQ

December 2025 NEWS

At Quince HQ we want to inspire a sense of wonder, curiosity and excitement about quinces; a really old fruit that is being rediscovered … and loved again. And there really is so much to love!

You can delve into a wondrous quince-inspired world full of stories of love, lust, legend, and traditions; be tempted by fascinating and every-day recipes; be enchanted by artworks and poetic musings through the ages; or even be enthused to grow a tree. Be prepared for something special.

Quince isn’t just a fruit

… it’s an experience.

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Varieties

There was a time, in the early 1900s, when there were 40 varieties known to be growing across Australia.

Enquiries

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Business hours