Medlar fruit is renowned for its high nutritional value and unique flavor, making it a superb choice for health-conscious consumers. Known for its excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, medlar fruit can aid digestion and bolster the immune system. It is versatile in use; the tasteful fruit can be enjoyed raw, used in delightful jams or even baked into pies, expanding its popularity in various culinary fields. With a rich history and growing popularity due to its health benefits and wide culinary uses, medlar fruit can be a wonderful addition to your diet. The best place to buy medlar fruit online is at sayweee.com with free delivery available.
The medlar fruit (Mespilus germanica) is an odd-looking and intriguing fruit that remains relatively unknown in many parts of the world, including the United States. With its brown, apple-like appearance and unique flavor, the medlar deserves more recognition among fruit enthusiasts
If you’re interested in trying medlar fruit or even growing your own medlar tree, you may be wondering where you can find and purchase this fruit. Here is a guide to finding medlars for sale and bringing this ancient fruit into your modern life.
What is Medlar Fruit?
Medlars originate from Southwest Asia and Southeastern Europe and have a long history of cultivation, stretching back to Roman times. The small, deciduous trees produce lovely white blossoms in spring and interesting, rustic-looking fruits in fall
The fruits themselves are about the size of a crabapple, with a wide calyx at the bottom that makes them appear almost flower-like. They are hard and very astringent when harvested, requiring a period of softening called “bletting” before they can be eaten.
Once softened, medlars have a soft, grainy flesh and flavors reminiscent of applesauce, dates, and spiced cider. They can be eaten raw and are also used in jams, jellies, wines, and desserts.
Where to Find Medlar Trees and Fruit for Sale
Medlar trees and the fruits themselves are still quite rare in commercial cultivation in North America. However, you have a few options if you want to get your hands on medlars:
Specialty Nurseries – A few specialty fruit nurseries, like Raintree Nursery and Burnt Ridge Nursery, offer medlar trees and plants for sale. This is a good option if you want to grow your own productive tree.
Farmers Markets – Occasionally, medlar fruits can be found at farmers markets, likely from local hobby growers or orchards. Ask vendors if they plan to have medlars later in the season.
Specialty Grocers – In some higher-end grocers, especially those with imported or exotic produce, you may find fresh medlars for sale when in season. Check the fruit displays at these stores in fall.
Online – A few online specialty grocers sell fresh medlar fruit when in season, which is typically fall. The selection is limited, but sites like Marx Foods or Melissa’s Produce are worth browsing.
Foraging – If you happen across an established medlar tree in your area, ask the property owner if you can collect some fallen fruits in the autumn. Always get permission before foraging.
Growing Your Own – For the most reliable source, grow your own medlar tree! The trees are relatively small, self-pollinating, and hardy, making them a good option for backyard growing.
When to Buy Medlars
Medlar fruits ripen and fall from trees in autumn, typically between October and December in most regions. The prime time to find medlars at markets or purchase trees is during this fall harvest window.
However, medlars need to blet after harvest before they can be eaten. So it’s best to buy them a few weeks before you want to eat them to allow time for softening. If buying online, factor in shipping time as well.
Trees and plants can be purchased and planted in spring or fall, but autumn is ideal to get new trees established before winter dormancy.
How to Choose Good Medlar Fruits
When selecting fresh medlars, look for fruits that are:
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Firm and hard – Medlars should be rock hard at harvest and when purchasing. Avoid any with soft spots.
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Intact – There should be no bruising, holes, or insects inside the fruit. The bottom calyx should be complete.
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Brown in color – Ripe medlars are a rich cinnamon brown. Green or yellow fruits are unripe.
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Large – Fruits should be approximately walnut-sized or larger for good flavor and flesh quality.
Storing and Ripening Medlars
Fresh medlars need special care between harvest and eating:
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Store freshly picked medlars in a cool place around 40-50°F. The refrigerator works well.
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Check every few days and remove any damaged or rotten fruits.
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After 2-3 weeks, the fruits will take on a mushy texture and darker color. This means they are ready to eat!
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Once bletted and softened, medlars can be refrigerated for another week or two before consumption.
Be patient – it may take a month or longer from harvest to ideal ripeness. But the unique experience of watching medlars blet makes it worthwhile.
Enjoying Medlar Fruits
Once ripened, medlars offer an intriguing, almost tropical flavor. They can be eaten raw by:
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Scooping out the flesh like a baked apple or avocado. Discard the hard pits.
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Blending or mashing the pulp to make medlar “butter.”
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Pairing with cheese, wine, nuts, or crackers for a dessert plate.
Medlar pulp can also be cooked into jams, compotes, tarts, cakes, and other desserts. Get creative with these historic fruits!
Growing or purchasing your own medlar fruits takes some effort and planning. But being able to try this uncommon fruit is a unique experience for any adventurous gardener or fruit lover. Follow this guide to seek out and savor medlars for yourself.
What is the nutritional composition of medlar fruit?
Medlars are a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, dietary fibre and potassium.
Is medlar fruit good for you?
Yes, medlar fruit is rich in vitamin C and potassium. They can strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, and maintain a healthy blood pressure.
Bletting is a process of overripening that certain fruits undergo, such as medlars. It softens and sweetens the fruit, making it more palatable.
MEDLAR – A Weird Fruit That Looks Inappropriate But Tastes Great! – Weird Fruit Explorer
FAQ
What is the English name for medlar fruit?
The Japanese medlar, meanwhile, is really a loquat tree and is sometimes called a Japanese or Chinese plum – or in Italy nespole, out of which is made a liqueur called nespolino. Bletting is necessary to turn the otherwise hard and astringent flesh into an edible fruit.
Do medlars grow in the US?
- Climate: Medlars are known to grow well in areas with mild winters and warm summers.
- Sunlight: They require full sun exposure for optimal growth and fruit production.
- Soil: Medlars can adapt to various soil types, but prefer well-drained soil.
- Cultivation: Medlars have been grown in Europe for centuries, but are less commonly known in the US.
- Bletting: Medlar fruits are not immediately edible when harvested. They need to be “bletted,” a process where they are stored in a cool place until they soften and become palatable.
- Pest Resistance: While medlars can be susceptible to some pests, their cultivation in the US is relatively limited, so specific issues are not well-documented, according to an article from the Integrated Pest Management program of the University of Missouri.
What fruit is similar to medlar?
“Medlar” and “open-arse” can be used to refer to both the fruit and the shrub-like tree on which it’s grown, Mespilus germanica – a close relative of roses, …Mar 25, 2021
What do medlar taste like?
The once white, acrid flesh transforms into a brown, apple-like purée and tastes like a very sweet fig with a touch of citrus.Apr 22, 2023
How much does a Medlar fruit tree cost?
Medlar fruit trees are available for $39.95 each. We offer the Medlar Breda Giant, Medlar Dzevera Garden, and Medlar Marron™ varieties.
Are medlar trees uncommon?
Medlar trees are considered rare and unknown in comparison to other fruit trees. Ty Ty Nursery has 3 types of medlars in stock. The fruit is delicious and can be made into jelly, plus the fall color adds beauty to your landscape after all other leaves have dropped.
What is a medlar tree?
BACK IN STOCK FOR SUMMER/FALL 2021 PLANTING! Medlars (Mespelus germanica) are a hawthorn relative native to southwestern Asia. This unusual fruit has been cultivated for thousands of years in Europe, Turkey and Iran. Medlars make cameo appearances in four of Shakespeare’s plays. In the spring, this tree boasts beautiful downy pink flowers.
What is medlar fruit used for in cooking?
The medlar fruit is used in the preparation of preserves, syrups, tarts, pies, and jelly. In Europe, the medlar is used as a winter dessert by roasting the fruit in butter and cloves. The medlar grows into a small pest-free tree or a large bush that is deciduous in nature.
When do Medlar trees ripen?
Medlar trees are cold hardy and often bear fruit late in the fall when most other fruit trees may have failed to produce due to late spring frosts or freezing temperatures. The fruit of the Medlar tree usually ripens over a long period of time, as late as December in Columbus, Georgia.
Can medlar fruit be eaten directly from the tree?
Medlar fruit can be eaten when left on the tree to soften after frost and the fruit loses its astringency during this process, which is called the ‘bletting’ process in Europe. This can also be achieved by picking the fruit off the tree prematurely to ripen later.