The medieval fruit with a vulgar name
14 days ago
- #forgotten-fruits
- #medieval-history
- #archaeology
- Archaeologists found 19 large seeds of the medlar fruit in a Roman toilet in Switzerland, preserved due to boggy conditions.
- The medlar was known by vulgar names like 'open-arse' in medieval Europe due to its appearance.
- Medieval Europeans highly valued the medlar, which was mandatory in royal gardens and featured in literature by Chaucer and Shakespeare.
- The fruit must rot (bletting) before becoming edible, turning sweet and complex in flavor.
- Medlar trees are aesthetically pleasing with twisted branches and star-shaped flowers.
- The fruit's popularity declined due to the availability of tropical fruits and the inconvenience of bletting.
- Today, medlars are niche, grown by enthusiasts and found in some European gardens and markets in the Caspian region.
- In Iran and nearby countries, medlars are still popular and used in traditional medicine.
- Enthusiasts like Jane Steward are reviving interest in medlars with products like jam and gin.