How to store quince
Quince and other late-ripening fruits store well into winter. Find out how, in our how-to guide.
Quince ripen late in the season, so tend to store better than other fruits that ripen earlier. If you get your storage conditions just right, they can last for several weeks, meaning you can be eating delicious quince well into winter.
For the best results when storing quince, harvest them when they're still firm, just before they ripen. Don't store any that are bruised or damaged, as these will rot and could cause other quinces around it to rot as well. Bear in mind that quince fruits do bruise easily so only ever store them in single layers, and make sure they're nestled well into their protective material and are not touching each other or the sides of the container you're storing them in.
Discover delicious ways to cook your quince harvest, at BBC Good Food.
How to store quince
The key to storing quince and other fruit is finding the right container and then keeping it in the right place. Choose a shallow box, crate or tray that will allow good air movement through the sides and over the top. Check your quince every now and again, to keep an eye on their ripeness and make sure they aren’t rotting. Remove any bad ones you find.
You Will Need
- Quince
- Shredded paper
- Storage crate
Step 1
Place the fruits in the tray so they’re not touching each other. Cushion them with shredded paper, ensuring they're well protected from any hard surfaces.
Step 2
Cover the quince with a bit more shredded paper and then put store them in a cool, dark place, such as a garage, shed or cellar. Make sure wherever you store them is frost-free, well-ventilated, away from direct sunlight.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
Discover our new digital travel brochure
Whether it's a thrilling Arctic cruise or a charming getaway to historic Bath, our NEW travel brochure has exciting options for everyone.
New podcast series
Join Monty and the team for advice on winter gardening, tulips, caring for birds, house plants and more in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.