Medlar Tree Nottingham

A taste of yesteryear that is deservedly seeing a resurgence in popularity. Whilst a favourite of both the Greeks and the Romans, it was the Elizabethans and Victorians who were the real fans of this fruit in this Country. Not the prettiest of fruits, it was commonly known as the 'Dog's Arse Fruit' or 'Open Arse Fruit' (the name Medlar originates from France); combine this with all the horror stories that it should be allowed to rot before eating and there is no wonder that it fell from favour!

As a tree it is highly ornamental - with its intricate twisting stems and dark green foliage and often grow more into a bush shape. In Spring it is a picture of simple white flowers, which give way to the unusual fruits that look like apples that have gone wrong.

Fresh from the tree in early Autumn the fruits are hard and sour to taste - and so they need to be bletted before they can be eaten raw or used for making sauces, jellies and even medlar marmalade.

Bletting is simply allowing the fruit to mature and soften. On smaller trees the fruit can simply be left on the tree and will naturally mellow to a dark brown colour and become soft - early Autumn frosts will help with this. For larger trees it is probably easier to pick the fruits and store them open to the elements (but safe from vermin) until they colour an soften. You will know when the fruit is ripe and ready to eat (or cook with) when you can squeeze them and the flesh oozes out like a ready made apple sauce - almost like thin toffee. Some say that the best way to eat these is to pull of the eye of a fruit and suck out the contents!

• Season of use November - December.
• Self Fertile.
• Grown on Quince A rootstock for an ultimate (un-pruned) height of 12 - 15 feet (3.65 - 4.6 metres) but can easily be kept at a height of 6 - 8 feet (1.8 - 2.4 metres).

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

Recommended by the RHS to assist in encouraging bats into the garden as the flowers are likely to attract moths and other night-flying insects which bats love to eat!