Rediscovering medlar: The forgotten fruit with surprising health benefits

Today, it is a somewhat forgotten fruit, but many years ago, it played an important and pleasant role in many homes, serving as a sweet snack for autumn and winter after the time for raspberries, strawberries, or cherries had passed. It is worth remembering as it holds significant nutritional value.

Medlar, the fruit we are discussing, is a product of late autumn. It was originally found in regions ranging from the Black Sea to Iran. The Romans appreciated its taste and spread it throughout Europe. Medlar is a long-lived tree that can thrive and bear fruit for many years. It is worth having in your garden because its distinctive fruits are tasty and exceptionally healthy.

Medlar fruits are small, round, and usually have brownish skin. Their flesh is hard and astringent initially, so you need to be patient before eating them. When fully ripe or after a frost, they become soft and sweet, which explains their old popularity in the winter period.

Medlar is a rich source of iron, which is not commonly associated with fruits. Iron is essential for the transport of oxygen in the body and the production of red blood cells. It also contains B vitamins, which play a key role in the functioning of the nervous system, energy production, and metabolism. Medlar fruits are a source of flavonoids and natural antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.

In folk medicine, medlar was used to alleviate stomach problems owing to its high fibre content, which is essential for the proper functioning of the intestines. It also supports the cardiovascular system and helps treat kidney and gallstones. Recent studies suggest that medlar extract may benefit blood sugar levels, making it a potential aid in the treatment of diabetes.

Ripe medlar fruits can be eaten raw but are also excellent when processed. Sweet and aromatic medlar jams taste delightful on fresh bread or as an addition to cheeses, and they can also be made into liqueur or compote. Some people use medlar fruits for baking apple pie, replacing the apples with medlars.