Mespilus germanica ‘OSU 9-20’

Medlar (Mespilus germanica) is an ancient fruit cultivated since Roman times and still enjoyed today, mostly in Europe. This is a fruit that no one you know will have! It is a rose family species native to southeastern Europe and Asia Minor that grows as a small tree. The brown fruits ripen in fall but, due to their high tannin content, are not eaten until they are bletted either by being exposed to frost or stored for enough time that the fruit turns brown and softens and the outer skin becomes wrinkly. To the untrained eye the fruit may look as if it is rotted but this is the time to eat it. It is said to have a flavour and texture like apple sauce. ‘OSU 9-20’ produces prolific crops of chocolate-brown fruit with sweet and delicious, smooth-textured fruit with a hint of tartness. Medlar are self fertile. Photo: Wikipedia.