Quinces are available from late summer to spring, but they are not often found in supermarkets and you are most likely to find them in independent stores and farmers markets or growing in someone's garden. The first thing that hits you when your are in close proximity with quinces is the aroma. It's a sweet and almost floral smell that is quite intoxicating. In it's raw form it resembles a pear in colour and shape and it has the same slightly grainy texture. However, when you cut into in, there is hardly any juice compared to a pear. It is quite bitter and bland eaten raw, but when it is cooked the flavour really shines and is a cross between a rose and an overripe honeydew melon. Many people believe that quince shouldn't be eaten raw but it is not poisonous. The seeds do contain a small amount of cyanide, but you would need to consume a vast quantity to become ill.