Facts About Medlar Fruit
This is a member of the Rosaceae family. The medlar is closely related to quinces, pears, and apples. It was first brought to Greece and Italy and then gradually spread over the rest of Europe.
Its birthplace was in the southwestern part of Asia. It’s interesting to note that Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet references this fruit at one point.
There are two reasons why the fruit is not typical.
- Since they are harvested in the late autumn, primarily in November and December, they represent a significant source of sugar during the cooler months of the year.
- Only when they have been spoiled can they be consumed by humans.
The procedure of picking raw medlar fruits in the late fall and allowing them to perish beyond the point of maturity is called “bletting.” In most cases, they are kept in a cold, dry place until they have matured to the point where they are mushy, squishy, and have a darker brown color.
After that, it takes on a sweet and slightly acidic flavor. These can be cooked, roasted, or converted into jelly, tarts, cider, wine, or brandy. Alternatively, they can be eaten directly from the fruit by scooping them out with a spoon.
Even though medlars are not as well-known or as easily accessible as apples and pears, their use and popularity are on the rise due to the plethora of nutrients that they contain.
Positive Effects of the Medlar Fruit on One’s Health
Formation of Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin synthesis cannot occur without the presence of iron. Hemoglobin is a protein that is responsible for the typical dark red color of blood and also plays a function in the process of delivering oxygen to the cells of the body.
Iron is a key component of hemoglobin. Extra hemoglobin is required for human beings because we lose blood from both internal and exterior injuries, and these wounds can occur anywhere on the body.
As a result of the monthly loss of blood that occurs during menstruation, women have a significantly increased risk of developing anemia.
Full of Antioxidant Properties
The common medlar is a natural source of polyphenolic compounds, in particular phenolic acids, which are known for their powerful antioxidant qualities. The fruit, bark, and leaves of the medlar tree all have high amounts of flavonoids and polyphenols found in plants.
Consuming foods that are high in polyphenols has been linked to a lower chance of developing a number of diseases, including atherosclerosis and diabetes, amongst others.
Helps the Muscles Function Properly
Iron is a nutrient that must be consumed regularly in order to keep muscles in good health. Iron can be found in the tissues of muscles, where it serves as a supplier of oxygen, which is necessary for the contraction of muscles.
The absence of iron causes a loss in the suppleness and tone of muscles. Anemia is characterized by the signs of weakening in the muscles.
Fights Inflammation and Bacteria
Gallic acid is a type of polyphenol that can be found in medlar extracts at the highest concentration. It’s possible that the anti-inflammatory qualities of gallic acid could make gallic acid a useful tool in the fight against fat storage in obese people.
At the same time, it has the potential to have antibacterial activity against strains of Pseudomonas that are associated with food. This indicates that the extracts of medlar could also be used in the industry that deals with the preservation of food.
Offers Good Mental Health
The development of the brain is assisted by iron. Iron contributes to the provision of oxygen, and the brain consumes approximately 20% of the oxygen that is carried by the blood. Iron contributes significantly to the health and function of the brain.
The availability of sufficient blood in the brain has been demonstrated to increase cognitive performance and the formation of new neural pathways, which help avoid cognitive illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Both the high levels of iron and the oxygenation of the brain are extremely important.
Offers Remedy for Sleeplessness
Iron is useful in the treatment of insomnia and can improve both the quality and quantity of sleep by assisting in the regulation of circadian rhythms.
It is possible that an accurate count of red blood cells could contribute to a reduction in the fluctuations in blood pressure that cause difficulties sleeping.
Provides Mental Performance
The consumption of a suitable amount of iron focuses on energy and attention, both of which contribute to an improvement in mental and cognitive performance. As a result of the increased activity of iron-containing red blood cells, it contributes to an increase in the blood flow to the brain.
Prevents Restless Leg Syndrome
The deficiency of iron in the body is the key contributor to the development of restless leg syndrome. According to the findings of the investigation, it is associated with iron. This disorder is caused by an inadequate amount of iron being carried by the blood.
This condition may be treated if enough quantities of iron-containing supplements are taken on a regular basis. Muscle spasms are one of the symptoms of an iron deficiency, and this condition is linked to that syndrome.
Useful in the Treatment of Diabetes
The polyphenols and flavonoids found in Meldar are believed to aid in the metabolization of carbs, particularly the phenolic acids, which can inhibit the enzymes alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase.
This may be useful in the creation of diabetes-related medications and nutraceuticals, which play an important role in the treatment of diabetes.
Maintains a Healthy Internal Temperature
Iron has a role in the maintenance of the body’s normal temperature. As a result of its ability to maintain the normal temperature of the body, it ensures that the metabolic processes and enzymatic reactions that it drives take place in conditions that are both efficient and effective.
Traditional Applications
- The pulp is utilized in the practice of traditional medicine as a laxative.
- It is claimed that the leaves and seeds, respectively, possess astringent and lithotriptic qualities.
- In Iran, medlar is utilized in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, including hypertension, rapid heart rate, and as a heart tonic.
- An infection of the throat or mouth can be treated using an extract made from leaves.
- The fruit has qualities that can help treat diarrhea, including purgative and relaxing effects on the digestive tract.
- The seed is effective in removing bladder stones.
- The fruit of the medlar tree can be used to alleviate constipation and flush stones from the kidneys and bladder.
- This plant can assist in treating intestinal inflammation, mouth abscess, stomach bloating, throat abscess, disposal of fever, fattening, and internal hemorrhage, as well as strengthening skin and nerves.
- In order to treat kidney stones, a patient may drink tea prepared from medlar leaves.
- The bark, fruit, flowers, and leaves of the plant are used as medicine in Iran to treat fever, throat abscesses, and diarrhea.
- The bark of a medlar tree offers anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Recipes for Popular Medlar
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Compote of Ripe Medlars
Ingredients
- 1 kg medlars (half-ripe)
- 80 g of brown sugar or 50 g of honey
- 5 liters of water
Instructions
- Rinse, clean, and chop the half-ripe medlars into small pieces.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the honey or sugar in water.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the medlars that have been diced.
- Cook for an hour on low heat.
- Allow it to cool a bit.
- Pour into jars when it is lukewarm.
- Seal the jar and set it aside.
2. Medlar Jelly
Ingredients
- 2kg medlars
- Water
- 500 mL of strained juice contains 375 g of sugar
- 2 lemons (juiced)
Instructions
- Allow the medlars to ferment and soften before using.
- Place them in a preserving pan with enough water to cover them.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cook for 90 minutes to 3 hours (depending on the amount of boiling).
- Strain the combination through a jelly bag or cotton cloth.
- To avoid a murky jelly, don’t press the fruit through.
- Measure and add 374g of sugar per 500ml of the strained liquid.
- Add in the lemon juice.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the setting point is reached.
- Pour the heated mixture into sterilized jars and seal them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medlar is Used for What?
Additionally, medlar’s high tannin content makes it useful for tanning leather and clarifying wine, as well as for its medicinal benefits.
Medlar wood is an excellent choice for manufacturing fishing rods, knives, and other tools.
Is Medlar Safe to Eat?
When the medlar fruit is rotten, it’s okay to consume. A: You should avoid eating the seeds since they are toxic.
What are the Benefits of Medlar Fruit?
Medlar fruit aids in the treatment of intestinal infections and inflammation, as well as menstrual abnormalities and bloating of the stomach.
It also strengthens the nervous system.
