Meaning and usage of the word quince in English

The word "quince" originates from the Latin name for the fruit, "cyindependronus," which translates directly to "apple of Persia." The fruit, which has a distinctive golden-brown skin and fragrant aroma, is actually a type of apple that has evolved naturally over time. The ancient Greek geographer Strabo, who lived during the Roman Empire, was one of the first to document the fruit's properties. He described it as having a sweet, fragrant taste that was distinct from that of apples. The Latin name for the fruit eventually morphed into the Old French word "coyniz," which was then anglicized into the Middle English word "quyntes." This Old French word evolved from the Latin root "cypartypsin," meaning "cooked pear," as the fruit was historically cooked before being eaten due to its tart and hard nature. Today, quinces are still enjoyed in various parts of the world, although they tend to be less common outside of warm, Mediterranean-influenced climates. They are commonly used in traditional recipes, such as marmalade or in warm spiced drinks, or simply eaten fresh after being boiled in sugar syrup to become softer. In any case, the sweet aroma of this ancient fruit, the "apple of Persia," continues to fascinate us today.