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
People who want to try medlar fruit or even grow their own medlar tree may be wondering where they can buy and find this fruit. This page tells you how to buy medlars and bring this old 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 are about the size of a crabapple and have a wide band at the base that makes them look like flowers. They are hard and bitter when they are picked, so they need to be “blasted” for a while to soften 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 their fruits are still not grown commercially very often in North America. But if you want to get medlars, you can do one of these things:
Specialty Nurseries—Some specialty fruit nurseries, like Raintree Nursery and Burnt Ridge Nursery, sell medlar trees and plants. This is a good choice if you want to grow your own useful 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?
They can handle cold weather and often bear fruit late in the fall, when most other fruit trees may not have been able to because of late spring frosts or freezing temperatures. Medlar tree fruit usually takes a long time to ripen. In Columbus, Georgia, it can happen as late as December.
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.