Which Apple (or other fruit) is this?

[gardengnome]

Hi,

I have a tree in my garden which produces fruit that looks like an apple, however I have never seen an apple like it!

The tree itself grows like a bush/shrub, but it may have been trained to grow like that.

The fruit looks strange; almost like a cross between an apple and a plum (in shape, but not size or colour).

I’ve attached some photos showing the fruit and leaves.

Can anyone here identify it, as I need to prune it and don’t want to cause any damage?
Thanks.

[burnie]

Looks like a Quince to me, not that I'm an expert.

[MelanieSW]

My first thought was quince as well, but the fruit is usually a bit furry and these look smooth. Do they turn yellow when ripe?

The fruit also looks a bit like a Nashi pear to me, but I have never seen a tree.

[Nicos]

Did you cut one in half?

[Plot70]

It looks like a japonica or Japanese quince.
The fruits can be used for jam or jelly.
Some people grow them for the spring flowers and just dump the fruit.

[gardengnome]

Thanks for all the replies.

I forgot to mention that that the fruit is quite hard.
It does indeed turn yellow when ripe, but doesn’t get furry.

Heres a photo of it now...

[gardengnome]

Had some issues uploading, but here it is...

[MelanieSW]

I reckon Plot70 is bang on with Japanese quince.
(I was thinking of true quinces which are furry)

[Nicos]

Deffo quince seeds.

[gardengnome]

Are they edible/tasty? 🙂

[Nicos]

Best if cooked tbh.
Peel then poach, stew or bake.
Make a good filler in a pie but nicer if mixed in with other fruit.

Very delicate flavour . Most people use them to make quince jelly,but you can find recipes online for other recipes.

Take care peeling them, they can be very hard, but also go brown quickly ( nice to roll them in orange juice first.

Nice find!

[gardengnome]

👍

Thanks very much for all the advice!

[MelanieSW]

Are they edible/tasty? 🙂

Years ago I made a batch of quince liqueur - it was most delicious

[Nicos]

^^^ mmmmm!... sounds yummy!

[Plot70]

The leaves are spot on compared to my plant.
Mine flowered but did not set fruit last spring. I am hoping for fruit this year.