The Medlar Specialist
Talks
The once-popular medlar has been misunderstood for far too long, and I’m keen to change that.
Often the tree is in the garden, because of its beautiful and unusual form, but once harvest comes around it finds no purpose in the kitchen. This is a shame, because it has so much to give.
Part of my mission is to enthuse as many people as possible about growing and eating the medlar, as a fresh table fruit, in a preserve and cooked in a variety of savoury and sweet recipes.
I’ve recently joined The Garden Media Guild. I would be delighted to talk about the medlar to your group, horticultural club or at your bookshop. My talks always include a tasting of the fruit.
Somewhat to my surprise, I’ve gradually become an expert within the UK on growing and using the fruit. I’ve travelled as far as Tasmania, where I met fellow enthusiasts who grow and use the fruit. My book MEDLARS, Growing & Cooking, was published by Prospect Books in April 2023.
The medlar has a fascinating history, moving from its original home in the Caucasus, along the old trade routes as long ago as Roman times, to become highly regarded as a source of sweetness and winter nutrition in places as diverse as the UK, America and Australia.
As well as being a gardener, and holder of the National Collection of medlars in my orchard of 115 trees, I’m also a cook and the medlars are now my business. I am also very interested in the medlar’s increasingly recognised role in modern regenerative agriculture, agroforestry and food diversity.
I’m based in north Norfolk, and am often happy to be tempted by an adventure!
Do get in touch (including for radio, TV and podcasts) and we can discuss possibilities.
Jane
