Medlar

Scientific Name of Plant
Mespilus germanica

Description
This fruit is eaten fresh picked or made into jelly, wine, pies, tarts, chutney, etc. Before it can be eaten, the fruit must be bletted (ripened until very soft, but not rotten - something like persimmons) so that the acids and tannins are broken down. It has a gritty, mushy texture but a delicious flavor. Something like a spiced apple sauce with a wine overtone.

Origin and History
A two inch fruit, originated in the Middle East, resembling a brown crabapple with a jester's hat at the blossom end.

Parts of Plant Used
Fruit.