Quinces

Believed to be native to Iran, Quince cultivation spread to South East Europe and to the Levant even before the apple took root! This fruit is shaped like a hybrid of an apple and pear, with a rich, yellow exterior that gives off a strong pleasant fragrance. Besides, it is hard, acidic, and astringent before cooking, but it turns red, tastes divine, and takes on a whole different color and flavor when it's cooked into marmalades or jellies. Nutritionally, quinces are relatively high in carbohydrates, and are considered to be a good source of vitamin C, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, copper, iron, and dietary fiber. As a matter of fact, the Vitamin C in this fruit helps to boost immunity and also aids in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, not to mention that it possesses anti-allergenic properties.