Mespilus germanica
Medlar
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Mespilus germanica.
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Partial shade, Full sun
Usage properties
Fruit
Wood
Description
Fruit - raw or cooked. In cooler areas such as Great Britain, the fruit may not fully ripen but can still be harvested in late autumn, preferably after a bit of frost. Before it can be eaten raw, the fruit must first ripen. This can be done by placing the fruits together, with the stem facing up, in a cool place until they are almost rotten, a process known as bletting. At this point, the white flesh turns brown, becomes very soft, and extremely sweet with a delicious flavor similar to exotic fruit. The fruits of wild varieties are usually up to 25 mm in diameter, although some cultivated varieties can be 65 mm or more.