When is quince ready to harvest?

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

When is quince ready to harvest?
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.ht...





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/fruit...





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/culinaryart...





Some Quince are ornamentals %26amp; 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/co...
Reply:They will be yellow, yet quite firm. Don't expect it to be soft.


Even baked they aren't very sweet. Enjoy!!