When Are Medlars Ripe Uk?

Medlars are ready to pick in late October or early November when they are about 2.5-5cm (1-2in) across. At this stage they are not fully ripe. You can leave fruit on the tree well into autumn to develop flavour provided there is no danger of frosts. Pick in dry conditions when the stalk parts easily from the tree.

What do ripe Medlars look like?

Medlars are a hardy fruit that look like a cross between a small apple and a rosehip. When ripe, they're hard and green. They're picked at this stage, but aren't edible until they've become half rotten or 'bletted', when they turn brown and soft.

How do you ripen Medlars?

They should be left in a box in a cool dry place, resting on damp straw and kept away from mice, until they turn a dark reddish brown and become soft and juicy. This ripening process is known as "bletting" the medlars. They can then be used to make jams, jellies and medlar cheese.