While most of your fruit trees and berry bushes are already looking a bit bare, the quince is just getting the party started! These bright yellow beauties are finally ready for their moment in the spotlight as autumn rolls in.
How to Tell When Your Quinces Are Ready
As a general rule of thumb, mid-autumn—usually around early October—is prime time for harvesting quince. But before you grab your basket, here are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Wait for a clear, dry day to harvest.
- Look for a nice yellow color.
- Aim for “almost ripe” rather than “fully ripe.”
Here’s a pro tip: Quinces aren’t the best candidates for long-term storage, so if you aren’t planning to turn them into jam or jelly immediately, you actually want to pick them slightly before they reach peak ripeness. If you *are* planning to get cooking right away, then letting them fully ripen on the branch is perfectly fine.
Just remember to handle them with care! Quinces might look tough, but they bruise easily. Any fruit with a “fingerprint” or soft spot won’t last long in storage.
If you’re saving them for later, the best way to store them is in a wooden crate in a cool, dark, and dry basement. Make sure they aren’t piled on top of each other; give them some breathing room so the air can circulate. Stored this way, your harvest should stay fresh for about two to three months.
