bael Aegle marmelos, a tree which grows wild in much of N. India and SE Asia, belongs to the same family, Rutaceae, as the citrus fruits. It is not related to the quince, although sometimes called Bengal or Indian quince. The fruits, which look something like greyish-yellow oranges, may have a thin hard shell or a less hard but thick rind, depending on the variety.
The ripe pulp is yellow, gummy, and full of seeds. However, it has an aromatic, refreshing flavour. It can be eaten as is or made into a jelly, marmalade, nectar, squash, or sherbet.
