Chemical, morphological and organoleptical characterisation of five Spanish quince tree clones (Cydonia oblonga Miller)

Since quince (Cydonia oblonga) currently shows high genetic variability, along with the precarious state of preservation of the species in some cultivation areas, the study evaluated morphological, chemical and organoleptically five quince clones (MEMB1, MEMB2, MEMB3, MEMB4, and MEMB5) in the Southeast of Spain. Leaf characterisation generally showed ovate leaves, cordate base, mucronated apex and obtuse apex angle. Globose fruits predominated in all clones. Total soluble solids (TSS) ranged from 11.5 °Brix to 14.7 °Brix), and the predominant sugars were fructose and glucose; MEMB3 yielded the highest sugar content of all (17.93%). While malic was the main organic acid (0.78%) followed by tartaric (0.22%), quince juice yielded very low citric acid (0.009–0.014%). Besides, quince generally showed high crude fiber contents (8.14% for MEMB1), low fat contents and can weight up to 290 g. The characterised clones were appropriate for both fresh consumption and processing due to their semi-hard pulp and low astringency.