River Cottage Medlar Recipes

How to Make Medlar Jam Delishably from les-trois-chenes.hubpages.com

Introduction

Medlar is a fruit that is not well-known in many parts of the world, but it has been a part of British cuisine for centuries. The fruit is known for its unique flavor that is similar to apples, pears, and dates. At River Cottage, medlar is a popular ingredient in many recipes, and in this article, we will explore some of the best medlar recipes from River Cottage.

What are Medlars?

Medlars are small, round fruits that are native to Europe and Asia. They are often referred to as "bletted" fruits because they need to be left to ripen and soften before they can be eaten. Once ripe, the fruit has a soft, almost jelly-like texture and a sweet, tangy flavor.

How to Prepare Medlars

To prepare medlars, you will need to wait until they are ripe and soft. Once they are ready, cut them in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Discard the seeds and skins, as they are not edible. The flesh can be eaten on its own or used in a variety of recipes.

Medlar Jam

One of the simplest and most delicious ways to use medlars is to make jam. To make medlar jam, you will need: - 1 kg ripe medlars - 750g sugar - Juice of 1 lemon Start by cutting the medlars in half and removing the flesh. Place the flesh in a large saucepan with the sugar and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for around 30 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened. Pour the jam into sterilized jars and leave to cool.

Medlar Chutney

Medlar chutney is a great accompaniment to cheese, cold meats, and curries. To make medlar chutney, you will need: - 1 kg ripe medlars - 2 onions, chopped - 2 cloves of garlic, chopped - 500g sugar - 500ml cider vinegar - 1 tsp ground ginger - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - 1 tsp ground coriander - Salt and pepper to taste Start by cutting the medlars in half and removing the flesh. In a large saucepan, fry the onions and garlic until soft. Add the medlar flesh, sugar, cider vinegar, and spices, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for around 1 hour, or until the chutney has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then pour into sterilized jars and leave to cool.

Medlar Tart

Medlar tart is a delicious dessert that is perfect for autumn. To make medlar tart, you will need: - 1 sheet of shortcrust pastry - 500g ripe medlars - 150g sugar - 3 eggs - 150ml double cream - 1 tsp vanilla extract Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Roll out the shortcrust pastry and line a tart tin with it. Cut the medlars in half and remove the flesh. Arrange the flesh in the tart case. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, double cream, and vanilla extract together. Pour the mixture over the medlars in the tart case. Bake for around 40 minutes, or until the filling has set and the pastry is golden brown.

Conclusion

Medlars may not be a well-known fruit, but they are certainly worth trying. At River Cottage, medlar is a popular ingredient in many recipes, from sweet jams and tarts to tangy chutneys. If you're looking for something new to try in the kitchen, why not give medlars a go?