Medlar

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.