Medlar
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The medlar is a fruit of the genus Mespilus introduced to western Europe by the Romans. Related to the pear and once common in medieval England where it became naturalised, it is a rare fruit to find in this age.
The raw medlar is inedible straight from the tree however becomes edible after bletting (allowing to become slightly rotten).
Tasting similar to a spiced apple sauce, they were used by 17th century cooks to make tarts and 19th century cooks to make a fruit cheese.
William Shakespeare mentions medlars in at least 4 of his works.
