Quince

Quinces begin cropping within three to four years and are wonderfully low-maintenance once established. The golden, aromatic fruit cannot be eaten raw (they are hard and astringent) but transform when cooked into a gorgeous pink-orange with a complex, perfumed flavour — membrillo (quince paste) with cheese is a revelation. The blossom is exquisite, soft pink and appearing late enough to mostly avoid frost damage. Self-fertile, tolerant of damp soil, and rarely troubled by pests or diseases. An outstanding tree for the low-effort fruit garden.