Medlar

Nèfle

What it is

It is only edible once it has half-rotted on the branch or in straw, a process politely called bletting — and Shakespeare and Chaucer both made the obvious jokes. It was a staple winter fruit for centuries before sugar arrived.

In the kitchen

Wait until it is brown and yielding — that is ripe, not spoiled. Then scoop the pulp out with a spoon.

Goes with

Cream Honey Cinnamon Clove Apple Walnut Quince Vanilla

In season alongside

Muscade de Provence squash Oca Arbutus berry Baek-kimchi Woodcock Beetroot

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