A NEGLECTED fruit that still grows in many English gardens will be celebrated this weekend.

Quince Day, at Greyfriars, a 15th-Century merchant's house in Friar Street, Worcester, will include tasting sessions, with freshly picked quinces from the Greyfriars garden.

There will be advice on growing the fruit, fact sheets about the quince and a selection of quince recipes, including jam, chutney and liqueur.

"There are several fruiting trees and shrubs with the common name quince," said Rachel Bannon, who is custodian of the National Trust property.

"All of these have hard, sharp fruit even after ripening, but they are edible when made into pies, preserves, jellies and many ethnic specialities."

The pear-shaped fruit is yellow when ripe and is used as a herbal medicine for sore throats, diarrhoea and inflammation of the stomach, intestines and mucus membranes.

Quince Day is on Saturday from 1pm to 4.30pm. Normal admission charges will apply.