Forgotten fruits in the spotlight
6 November 2025
We all know the apple and banana, but the Netherlands has a rich history full of special fruits that have been somewhat forgotten. Think quince, medlar, and Japanese medlar. Fruits that were once eaten frequently, but are rarely found in supermarkets these days. Yet these old familiars are slowly making their comeback. Therefore, in this blog, we list all the forgotten fruits.
Quince
The quince is an elegant fruit with a rich history. It is related to the apple and pear, but firmer in texture and much more aromatic. Raw, the quince is barely edible: its flesh is hard and tart. But as soon as you boil or stew it, it turns into a fragrant, soft fruit with a beautiful pinkish-red colour and a flavour reminiscent of apple, honey and rose.
Besides its delicate flavour, the quince is also nutritious: it is high in fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants. Its pectin content is high, making it ideal for making jam, compote or jelly. For example, try this recipe to make quince compote.
