Medlar (Mespilus germanica)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Mespilus germanica is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet with an absolutely delicious flavour that somewhat resembles a luscious tropical fruit. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The fruit does not always ripen fully in cooler temperate zones such as Britain.; However it can be harvested in late autumn (preferably after it has had some frost) whilst still hard and then needs to be bletted before it can be eaten raw.; This entails storing it, stalk end upwards, in a cool place for a short while until it is on the point of (but not quite) rotting, a state described as incipient decay.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods and hedgerows. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)