Summer is getting closer and closer. That time of year where temperatures rise and you have to look for alternatives to withstand that intense heat. Therefore, just as routines change in favor of well-being, markets adapt to make available to the client the best stone fruits. And, the first of them are the medlars. It is a very peculiar food that is full of orange all greengrocers and supermarkets, although for a fairly limited time. Are you interested in knowing all its characteristics? Without a doubt, you will be able to feel for yourself an explosion of flavor and freshness.
Origin of the medlars
Surely you already know that the medlar belongs to the family of Rosaceae. And, it can also be known as japanese medlar, although in reality its origin comes from China. From where it would spread to Japan and other areas of Southeast Asia. In fact, this fruit is still very popular in these locations on the planet. In addition, its fruit, at least sweet, has been highly valued for centuries as ornamental plant. This is how its cultivation spread to the West, reaching Spain around the XNUMXth century. But, it was only from the XNUMXth century that the medlar began to be intensively planted in the Peninsula.
It should be noted that crops throughout the mediterranean coast They are very popular, often associated with citrus and other stone fruit plantations. And, the tradition is more established in the Levant, especially in the Alicante area. In fact, the medlar from Callosa d'en Sarriá It has a Protected Designation of Origin. Although, the particular climate of the Andalusian Tropical Coast makes it the first area where loquats can be collected. Finally, you should know that today it is grown all over the world, highlighting the warm areas of the American continent.
Main characteristics of loquats
Before differentiating what the fruit of the medlar is like, you have to know the characteristics of its tree. The nisporero It is an evergreen tree that can reach up to 20 centimeters in height, with a rounded crown and branches that usually grow vertically. Knowing this, it is important to assimilate that the Japanese medlar flourishes with the arrival of the cold and the fruits begin to ripen when spring starts, depending on the temperature and humidity conditions. These are from small size, with ovoid or globose shape. And, it is at the moment in which it matures when it adopts its color yellowish orange so characteristic.
The pulp is something else pale, juicy, tender and mushy, although it is crunchier when the fruit is green. However, the medlar is not as fleshy as other stone fruits, since it occupies a large part of the inner heart. Although, this all depends on the variety you decide to include on your shopping list. In Spain, two fundamentally stand out, the Algerian, which is the earliest, and the tanaka, which is harvested later, but has larger and sweeter fruits. Also noteworthy are the Golden nugget, characteristic of Andalusia.
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Beneficial nutritional properties
Like most stone fruits, the medlar stands out for its low calorie content, your contribution of fiber and water, some vitamins and minerals. It contains about 53 kilocalories per 100 grams of edible portion, including the skin. And practically contains neither fat nor protein, its main components being water and carbohydrates. Although, it is not a fruit that stands out for its vitamins, it does contain a high percentage of Vitamin A.
In addition, it is a spectacular source of potassium. Therefore, thanks to all these good nutritional properties, the medlar is a satisfying snack to take at any time of the day and can even be an ally in the most strict diets. Finally, you should know that it is a non-climacteric fruit, so it does not continue to mature after harvest. This means that they must be consumed before to be able to enjoy all their splendor.
That said, it is important that you know how to choose correctly what you put in your mouth. When you go to your trusted market, choose those that have a uniform and homogeneous color and that to the touch they are tender, but not excessively soft. And remember, avoid acquiring those that present bumps, cuts or bruises. Then, in terms of flavor, you may already have less or more luck because they could touch you some more sour than sweet.
Do you want to get a good loquat box? Surely they are already available in your usual shopping supermarkets. Otherwise, it is very easy to acquire them online way in stores like ruchey. Be that as it may, it is a luxury opportunity to enjoy a great seasonal product. Take advantage before it's too late!
