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 overripe and fermented).
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 four of his works.
