Medlar: The forgotten superfruit making a comeback

Today, it's a somewhat forgotten fruit, but many years ago, it played an essential and delightful role in many homes as a sweet snack for fall and winter when raspberries, strawberries, and cherries were out of season. It's worth remembering because medlar is packed with nutritional benefits.

Mespilus, as it's called, is a late-fall fruit found in the region from the Black Sea to Iran. The Romans appreciated its taste and spread it throughout Europe. The medlar is a long-living tree that can bear fruit for many years. It's worth having in your garden because the distinctive fruits are tasty and healthy.

Medlar fruits are small and round and usually have brownish skin. Their flesh is hard and astringent, so you need to be patient before eating them. When they are fully ripe or have been frosted, they become soft and sweet. Hence, the medlar's popularity in winter in the past was simply a delicious treat.

The medlar is a rich source of iron, which isn't typically associated with fruit. Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the body and red blood cell production. It also contains B vitamins, which play a key role in nervous system function, energy production, and proper metabolism. Medlar fruits are also a source of flavonoids, which are natural antioxidants. They protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.

In folk medicine, medlars were used to ease stomach problems due to their high fiber content, which is essential for proper bowel function. They also supported the cardiovascular system and helpful in treating kidney and gallstones. Recent research indicates that medlar extract may benefit blood sugar levels, making it a potential aid in treating diabetes.

Ripe medlar fruits can be eaten raw but also work well after processing. Sweet and aromatic medlar jams taste great on fresh bread or as an addition to cheeses, and you can even prepare liqueurs or compotes from them. Some people use medlar fruits to bake apple pies, substituting them for apples.