Medlars

M E D L A R S: Have you ever wondered what to do with these ancient and beautiful fruit? I have a tart recipe in my book that is well worth the effort. It has a floral and sophisticated note that is impressive at any tea party. The fruit once picked needs to be rotted in a process called ‘bletting’. Bletting allows the cell walls to break down, converting starch into sugars and decreasing the acid and tannins. It makes a hard, bitter fruit into a sweet one. A mature tree grows to around 5-6 metres high and fruits young. It is self-pollinating and happy in most soils. It does very well with frosts and has beautiful white/pink flowers in spring. Most old and established gardens will have one of these trees. Give it go!