Flowering Quince Tea Benefits: A Source of Vitamins for You

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Refreshing flowering quince tea is made from the so-called “lemon”—the flowering quince (Chaenomeles), a member of the rose family (Rosaceae). The most common and well-known species of quince include the Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica), the Chinese quince (Chaenomeles speciosa), and the showy quince (Chaenomeles superba). Moreover, we also call quince fruits belonging to Cydonia oblonga. However, we will not include this species in this article.

People often cultivate flowering quinces for their ornamental beauty and fragrant fruits, which they dry and use in teas or preserves. The plant originally came to our region from East Asia and the Mediterranean. In ancient Greece and Rome, the flowering quince was revered as a symbol of love and fertility.

The flowering quince is an evergreen shrub or a small tree, usually bearing thorny branches. Its leaves grow opposite each other, with small stipules and finely serrated edges. The blossoms—bright red or orange—appear singly or in small clusters. The fruit resembles a small, rounded apple. Although quinces are close relatives of apples and pears, they are now cultivated far less frequently.

Flowering quince fruits typically ripen between September and October, and a single bush can yield up to three kilograms of fruit. Because the fruits are sensitive to frost, you should gather the harvest before the first autumn chills. In warmer climates, the quinces can fully ripen on the branches; in cooler regions, they are best picked early and left to finish ripening in boxes indoors.

Health Benefits of Flowering Quince

Traditional medicine valued flowering quince for generations. Consumed regularly, it can offer a range of health-promoting benefits for the body.

Rich in nutrients and fiber

Flowering quince fruits contain dietary fiber and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, B1, and B6, as well as copper, iron, potassium, and magnesium. This nutritional composition makes them a wholesome and nourishing fruit.

Packed with powerful antioxidants

These fruits are rich in potent antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and combat damage caused by harmful free radicals. Scientific research shows that certain antioxidants found in flowering quince—such as flavonols and quercetin—may help decrease inflammation and protect the body from chronic diseases.

Quince tea may help ease pregnancy-related nausea

Nausea and vomiting are among the most common discomforts during early pregnancy. In one study involving 76 pregnant women, a single tablespoon of flowering quince syrup proved significantly more effective at reducing pregnancy-related nausea than a 20 mg dose of vitamin B6.

Supports healthy digestion

Flowering quince has long been used in traditional and folk medicine to treat various digestive issues. Recent studies suggest that quince juice and tea may help protect intestinal tissue from damage associated with inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis.

Quince tea may help prevent and heal stomach ulcers

Research indicates that plant compounds in flowering quince can help prevent and treat stomach ulcers. In laboratory studies, quince juice was shown to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium linked to gastric ulcers.

It can reduce symptoms of acid reflux

In a seven-week study involving 80 children suffering from acid reflux, daily consumption of flowering quince syrup was found to be as effective as standard medication in relieving symptoms. Another study of 137 pregnant women revealed that taking 10 mg of flowering quince syrup after meals was effective as traditional reflux treatments.

May help alleviate mild allergic reactions

Compounds found in flowering quince may help soothe allergic responses such as skin inflammation or nasal irritation, according to several studies examining its anti-allergic potential.

Flowering quince tea supports immune system function

Test-tube studies have shown that flowering quince possesses antibacterial properties that may help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. Additionally, one fruit contains roughly 15% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C—an essential nutrient for a strong immune system.

How to Make Flowering Quince Tea

Here are a few simple recipes you can easily prepare at home for quince tea.

Flowering Quince and Ginger Tea

When combining the warming properties of ginger, flowering quince creates a vitamin-rich drink perfect for the colder months.

You will need:

A heat-resistant teapot or cup
1–2 teaspoons of pure green tea (without additives)
A small piece of fresh ginger root
A few slices of fresh or dried flowering quince fruit
250 ml of hot, boiled water (at about 80°C)

Instructions:

Place the green tea, ginger slices (about 1–1.5 cm thick), and quince pieces into your teapot or cup.
Pour in water heated to 80°C — not boiling.
Let the tea steep for 3–5 minutes before serving.

Important: Do not use boiling water, as excessive heat can destroy many of the tea’s beneficial properties.

Flowering Quince Compote with Berries and Fruit

This compote made from flowering quince, raspberries, and apples is an excellent drink for strengthening the immune system.

You will need:

A heat-resistant pot or teapot
Equal parts dried flowering quince, raspberries, and apples (the more you add, the more fragrant the drink will be). You can also include other dried fruits or berries of your choice.
500 ml of boiling water

Preparation:

Place the dried fruits and berries into the pot, pour over the boiling water, and allow the mixture to steep. You can enjoy the compote warm or chilled.

Quince Tea with Honey

You will need:

A teacup
1 teaspoon of finely grated flowering quince
1 teaspoon of honey (or maple or other natural syrup)
250 ml of boiling water

Preparation:

Add the grated quince to a cup and pour in the boiling water. Let the quince tea cool slightly before stirring in the honey or syrup — this helps preserve its natural vitamins and enzymes.

Japanese Quince Syrup

You will need:

A pot for preparing the syrup
1 kg of cleaned flowering quinces (seeds removed)
1 kg of sugar

Preparation:

Wash and dry the quinces. Cut them in half, remove the cores and stems, then slice them into thin wedges. Layer the quince slices and sugar in a clean pot — a layer of quince, then a layer of sugar — until all ingredients are used. The top layer should be sugar. Cover the pot with a lid or a clean kitchen towel and keep it in a cool, dark place until the sugar dissolves completely and the quinces release their juice. Stir once or twice a day. Depending on the temperature, this process takes about 2–5 days.
Once ready, pour the mixture into a colander to separate the syrup. Heat the syrup until it begins to boil and simmer gently for about 5 minutes. Pour the hot syrup into sterilized jars, seal tightly, and let cool completely. The syrup can also be left unboiled — strain and store it in the refrigerator for a fresher, raw version.
Spread the drained quince slices in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Dry them in the oven at 70°C (160°F) for about 4–6 hours, or use a dehydrator. Store the dried quinces in a linen or paper bag for winter use.

Flowering Quince Preserve for Winter

You will need:

A food processor or blender
1 kg of flowering quinces
200 g of honey

Preparation:

Wash and dry the quinces thoroughly. Cut them into quarters and remove the seeds. If your blender is powerful, quarters are enough; otherwise, cut them into smaller pieces for blending.
Place the quince pieces in the food processor and blend until smooth. Towards the end, add the honey and mix briefly again to combine evenly. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
Spoon the mixture into clean jars, leaving about 0.5–1 cm of space from the top. Seal with airtight lids and store in the freezer.
You can also freeze the mixture in ice cube trays — once frozen, transfer the cubes into freezer bags. Each cube serves as a perfect single portion: only drop one into a cup of hot water to make a delicious, vitamin-rich tea.

Tip: For an extra boost of vitamins and natural goodness, blend in a little fresh ginger along with the flowering quince.

Possible Side Effects

Flowering quince is safe for most people and can be enjoyed regularly. However, it is not recommended for those suffering from pleurisy, enterocolitis, or chronic constipation.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before consuming large amounts or concentrated quince products.

Sources and Research:

Flowering Quince Tea Benefits: A Source of Vitamins for Your Body