Where does medlar come from and how to choose, preserve and cook it?
Origin and characteristics of medlar
Origin of medlar
Medlar, a delicate fruit with a sweet taste and soft texture, has an ancient and fascinating history. Originally from the Middle East, medlar was already appreciated by the Greeks and Romans in Antiquity for its taste qualities and its health benefits.
Today, medlar is widely cultivated in Europe, particularly in France, Italy and Spain. This fruit, often unknown to the general public, nevertheless deserves to be rediscovered for its unique flavors and its numerous possibilities in cooking.
Characteristics of medlar
The medlar is distinguished by its round shape and its yellow-orange color when ripe. Its thin, downy skin hides tender, juicy flesh, dotted with small seeds. Its delicate scent is reminiscent of pear, with a hint of acidity which gives it a unique character.
Medlar is a seasonal fruit, available mainly in the fall. To fully appreciate its flavor, it is recommended to choose it that is firm but slightly soft to the touch, a sign of its maturity. Once ripe, the medlar will keep for a few days in a cool place away from light.
Recipes and uses of medlar
Medlar lends itself to many preparations in the kitchen, whether in jam, compote, pie or even as an accompaniment to meats and cheeses. Its subtle taste goes wonderfully with spices such as cinnamon, ginger or vanilla, for delicious and original creations.
Whether you are a sweet or savory lover, medlar will bring a touch of originality and freshness to your dishes. Don’t hesitate to explore new flavor combinations to highlight this little-known fruit but full of promise.
By Jeanne Martin, passionate food writer
Tips for Choosing and Storing Medlars
Choosing tasty medlars
To fully enjoy the unique flavor of medlars, it is essential to choose them carefully. Here are some practical tips:
- The colour : Opt for medlars with golden yellow skin, a sign of maturity.
- The texture : Look for fruits that are firm but slightly soft to the touch, a guarantee of juiciness.
- The smell : The medlars should give off a sweet and floral scent, a sign of their full maturity.
Store medlars correctly
Proper storage helps preserve the freshness and flavor of medlars. Here’s how to do it:
| Method | Advice |
| At room temperature | Medlars can be stored at room temperature for a few days. Be sure to place them in a cool place and away from direct light. |
| In the refrigerator | If you want to extend their storage, place the medlars in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator. They will keep like this for up to a week. |
| Freezing | Medlars are also suitable for freezing. Cut them into quarters, remove the pits and place them in an airtight bag in the freezer to enjoy later. |
With these simple tips, you will be able to choose tasty medlars and store them effectively to fully enjoy them, whether by tasting them as is, cooking them or integrating them into your favorite recipes. Don’t hesitate to explore new ways to enjoy them to get the most out of this delicious little-known fruit.
Recipe ideas using medlars
Medlars in seasonal salad
Medlars bring a delicious sweet and tangy touch to a fresh and colorful salad. To make this recipe, you need:
- Ripe medlars
- Rocket
- Crumbled feta
- Crushed nuts
- Vinaigrette based on Honey and of mustard
Simply mix all the ingredients in a salad bowl and season with the vinaigrette for a delicious salad full of flavor.
Homemade medlar jam
Medlar jam is a great way to preserve this fruit to enjoy it all year round. Here are the ingredients needed:
- Ripe medlars
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
All you have to do is cook the medlars with the sugar and lemon juice until you obtain a thick texture. Pour the jam into sterilized jars and enjoy it on fresh bread or with cheese.
Medlar and pistachio tart
This original tart combines the sweetness of medlars with the crunch of pistachios for a dessert that is both delicious and surprising. Here are the steps of the recipe:
- Pastry
- Medlars pitted and cut into quarters
- Crushed pistachios
- Almond cream
Arrange the medlar quarters on the almond cream in the tart base, sprinkle with pistachios and bake. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an explosion of flavors in the mouth.
Medlar, a fruit to rediscover in our kitchen
The little-known origins of the medlar
Medlar, a fruit often forgotten on our stalls, is nevertheless full of history and flavors to share. Originally from the Mediterranean basin, this small fleshy and sweet fruit has been cultivated since Antiquity. Known to the Romans and Greeks, medlar has crossed the ages to land timidly on our plates.
A fruit with a unique texture
Medlar is characterized by juicy, grainy flesh reminiscent of both apple and apricot. Its downy skin, slightly apricot-like, hides a sweet and fragrant pulp, ideal for sweet or savory recipes.
The little-known benefits of medlar
Rich in fiber and vitamins, medlars are real allies for our digestive health and our immune system. Their antioxidant content makes them preferred fruits for a healthy and balanced diet.
How to choose and store medlars
To fully enjoy the flavors of medlars, choose fruits that are firm and slightly soft to the touch. Store them at room temperature so they continue to ripen, or place them in the refrigerator to stop the ripening process.
Gourmet recipe ideas
Medlar lends itself to many culinary preparations, both sweet and savory. Try it in jam, compote, pie or even as an accompaniment to meat or cheese dishes. Its unique taste will surprise and delight your guests.
| Benefits | Nutritional values |
| Rich in fiber | Contributes to good digestive functioning |
| Source of vitamins | Strengthens the immune system |
| Antioxidants | Protect cells against aging |
In conclusion, dare to use medlar in your kitchen
Medlar, a mysterious and delicious fruit, deserves a special place in our menus. By cooking it in different ways, you will discover all the rich taste of this fruit, both sweet and tangy. Don’t hesitate to integrate it into your usual recipes for a touch of originality and unexpected flavors.
