What does medlar look like? Where did medlar come from, what does it taste like and its varieties

Not long ago, Japanese medlar reached Russian supermarkets in the middle zone and northern regions. Many people liked the fruit. But it is not only tasty, it is a very healthy product.

Loquat what is it where it grows what it looks like

The fruit of a southern fruit tree, similar to or or orange in color, is what loquat is. The word is Turkish with Greek roots.

Botanical description

Loquat fruit is a plant of the Rosaceae family, a botanical relative of quince and pear.

The tree grows 6-9 meters, its bark is gray, with small thorns.

The dimensions of the dark green elliptical leaves are from 8 to 25 cm in different species, the flowers are fragrant, white or pinkish, five-petaled. After flowering, the ovary, a “drupe,” begins to form. Medlar fruits look like a large apricot or pear.

Medlar is the only fruit subtropical exotic that blooms in autumn and bears fruit in winter and spring.

Distribution history

Various regions of the planet's Northern Hemisphere are considered the homeland of medlar. The Japanese variety of the fruit comes from the humid subtropics of Japan and China, where it has chosen the mountain slopes. Contrary to its name, the Germanic variety of loquat came from Southwest Asia and Southeast Europe.

Plantations of wild medlar are common on the South Coast and the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus.

In Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, the plant has been cultivated for three millennia. Orchards were planted by the inhabitants of the Ancient world; the English liked exotic fruits. However, loquats were later replaced by other fruits, including New World curiosities brought by the conquistadors.

The tree began to be grown in Russia in the 19th century. Today, the useful plant is valued in the Caucasus, Ukraine, the USA, Iran, Japan, Abkhazia, Israel, and Southern Europe (Italy, Spain).

For other latitudes, evergreen or shrub varieties are an exhibit in botanical gardens and private estates of exotic lovers.

Types of medlar

Three dozen varieties of medlar have been classified, the most famous being German (also known as ordinary or Caucasian) and Japanese.

Medlar. Loves sun, dryness, mild winters and cool summers. It was often planted near country houses in Algeria and other former French colonies as a decorative element. Fruits with a diameter of 2.1-3.3 cm, dense, sour. Their sepals are always open, as a result of which the fruits look hollow. In Russia, the fruit grows in the Caucasus and South Coast, therefore it is called Caucasian or Crimean medlar. In the North Caucasus, the name “cone” is also in use.

Japanese medlar. A tree with a luxurious crown and leaves, which is twice as large as that of the German variety. Equally loves sun and shade. Tolerates short-term frosts down to 13-15°, but does not bear fruit in severe winters. With age, the winter hardiness of the medlar tree increases. Fruits do not tolerate transportation well, so they are rarely exported. The most delicious medlar is fresh.

In Russia, it is cultivated on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, the South Coast, in the Azov region, and Dagestan. Other names for the fruit: nispero (in Spain), shesek (in Israel), lokva, biva.

Belonging to the same genus, they differ in a number of botanical characteristics:

Characteristic	Japanese medlar	German medlar
Fruit peel	soft, bright yellow color	dense, brownish or brown
Ovary formation	on young shoots	at last year's
Presence of foliage	year-round	seasonal
Leaves	pubescent below, evergreen	waxy, turn red before falling off
Fruit ripening	April May	late fall
Number of seeds	1-5	4-5
Taste of fruits	sweet	sourish, tart
Pulp	loose, juicy,	dense, dry
Frost resistance	good	average

Rock medlar is the second name for the fruits of a tree-shrub of the same Rosaceae family as the ordinary medlar. They are an apple of a bluish-black or reddish-purple color, with a bluish bloom. Two or three times smaller than usual, but also sweet and healthy.

How to eat medlar correctly

The fruit is easy to eat:

The fruits are washed well and dried.
Cut the fruits and remove the seeds.
For specimens with dense skin or unripe skin, it is cut off.
There are options regarding ripe fruits. If the peel is not too hard, you can eat the fruit with it. If it’s tough, cut it off. In general, proceed as with apples or pears.
The most delicious and healthy fruits are those with bright yellow skin, without dark spots or bruises. The dimensions are average: small fruits are sour, large fruits are overripe, with initial signs of fermentation.

Ripe Japanese medlar is eaten fresh - as an independent dish or dessert ingredient.

Compotes are made from fruits of both types, juice is squeezed out, added to baked goods or decorated with pieces of fruit. The Spaniards make sauces and side dishes for meat from medlar. Italians stuff poultry carcasses with bones for flavoring.

The advantage of medlar is that after heat treatment the beneficial properties of the fruit are preserved.

fruits can be frozen or dried.
Real exotic - fruit jam. Seasoning lovers add cinnamon, pulp or cloves. Since you need half the weight of sugar as fruit, the treat is considered healthy even for those on a diet.

Different types of medlar have their own taste of fruit:

Japanese - sweetness or subtle sourness; the taste of medlar is reminiscent of pear, quince or strawberry; someone catches notes of apricot, or;
Germanic is distinguished by sourness, astringency and an astringent aftertaste; some compare medlar to an unripe apple; In their fresh form, these are fruits for everyone; they are often processed.

Most people equate the taste of Japanese medlar with apricot, and German medlar with apple.

Composition of medlar and calorie content

The value of the fruit is determined by its composition. It includes the necessary beneficial nutrients for humans:

set of B vitamins: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 plus A, C, E, K;
trace elements: potassium, calcium, iodine, iron, selenium, sodium, magnesium, copper;
carotene, beta-carotene;
cellulose;
tannins;
pectins, malic, citric acids;
phytoncides;
natural sugars (fructose, sucrose).

100 g of fresh pulp contains 43-47 kilocalories, which defines medlar as a healthy dietary product.

Nutritional value of the fruit (g/100 g of pulp): carbohydrates – 9-11, proteins – 0.44, fats – 0.25.

Useful properties of medlar

Traditional healers and scientists have discovered the benefits of medlar as a whole and its components. Pulp, fruit seeds, and leaves are used as medicinal ingredients.

Overall Impact

The vitamin and mineral set of the fruit has a beneficial effect on human health:

Vitamins A and C strengthen the immune system, increasing the body's resistance to harmful microorganisms and infections.
Fiber normalizes digestion. The astringent properties of tannins (especially in unripe fruits) stop diarrhea. Ripe fruits are good for constipation.
The abundance of water in fruits cleanses the body of toxins, radionuclides and waste.
The almost complete composition of B vitamins normalizes blood pressure and heals the heart and blood vessels.
Carotene is good for the eyes (its content in medlar is 1500 times higher than that of carrots).
Improves the functioning of the liver and pancreas.
Prevention of cancer development.

The fruit is useful as a tool for strengthening reproductive health, facilitating the female cycle, increasing male potency, and insurance against prostatitis.
Medlar fruits allow you to stay young longer, prevent skin aging and the appearance of early wrinkles.
Ground fruit seeds, brewed with boiling water, are useful as a substitute for coffee for those who are contraindicated from caffeine.
Fruit seeds are toxic, so they are used only when processed. That is, dried or fried.

Loquat during pregnancy

Loquat fruits, rich in vitamins and minerals, are beneficial during pregnancy. Especially folic acid, without which proper fetal formation is impossible.

Medlar will also be beneficial during breastfeeding: valuable nutrients will move from the fruit into the mother’s milk, then to the baby.

Medlar fruit is healthy, but exotic, so you need a doctor’s consent to consume the fruit. Even if under normal conditions a woman is not allergic to exotic foods, she may appear during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Loquat for beauty

Loquat is a popular cosmetic ingredient. This applies to industrial scale and home use. Fruit extract contains products whose mission is to neutralize acne, smooth out wrinkles, and make the skin radiant.

Home remedies beneficial for skin care:

Scrub. Ingredients: puree from ripe medlar pulp, ground seeds, honey.
Mask. Chopped fruit pulp (2-3 pieces) is mixed with half a teaspoon of olive or peach oil. Apply to moistened skin, cover with a napkin. After 15 minutes, wash off with water.
Tonic. A little vodka is added to the fruit juice. Used to cleanse the face before applying makeup or just like that. You can make extra and store the product in the refrigerator, but it is better to limit yourself to a single dosage. If the skin is dry or particularly sensitive, use the product carefully.
Cream. Tree leaf extract is added to commercial children's cream. Suitable for getting rid of acne.

It is useful to simply wash your face with a decoction of the leaves: the skin will cleanse and become radiant.

Loquat to maintain a slim figure

The symbolic calorie content of medlar plus the abundance of dietary fiber make the fruit a useful and enjoyable component of dietary nutrition.

With medlar you can organize a fasting day. The results will please you if you do this no more than once a week and eat no more than a kilogram of fruit per day.

Fiber is useful because it quickly fills you up, simultaneously improving intestinal motility. Juiciness and a sufficient amount of water ensures the washing out of toxins, salts, and waste.

Treatment of diabetes and heart disease

The fruit is rich in potassium and vitamins that are beneficial for the cardiovascular system.

An alcohol tincture is made from dried, ground medlar seeds, which is useful for heart pain. 15 seeds, 300 ml of vodka, 2-3 tablespoons of honey are mixed and left for 3-5 days. Take a teaspoon or a tablespoon (depending on body weight).

The fruit is good for diabetics. A set of its substances promotes the production of insulin, lowering sugar levels. Along the way, it improves blood composition and regulates metabolic processes.

The use of medlar in folk medicine

Traditional healers use loquat-based potions as medicine to solve traditional problems.

In case of gastrointestinal upset, ripe fruits act as a laxative; a decoction of slightly unripe fruits stops diarrhea. Loquat tincture neutralizes pain during cramps; decoctions are useful as an expectorant for colds, acute respiratory infections and similar ailments.

Popular recipes:

Decoction of leaves. A handful of medlar leaves are poured with boiling water (220-250 ml), left for 50-90 minutes, filtered. Used as a gargle for bleeding gums. For ulcers or diarrhea, two to three tablespoons of decoction 25-35 minutes before meals are enough. With a healthy intestine, to strengthen the body, take 45-50 g after meals. The product is useful for colds, high temperatures, and destroys viruses.
Infusion from seeds. Useful for problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The fried ground seeds are boiled for 18-20 minutes and allowed to settle. Drink a quarter or half a glass before meals.
Alcohol tincture. You will need medlar fruits (15 pieces), a teaspoon of honey, a glass of vodka. Seedless fruits are crushed until smooth and combined with honey. Add seeds ground into powder and pour in vodka. The mixture is poured into a glass container and closed tightly. Leave in the dark and cool for a week, then filter through cheesecloth or a sieve. Take a tablespoon before meals.

Useful for treating bronchitis and asthma.

Both varieties are used in medicinal formulations. Any leaves are also suitable, but not young ones: they are poisonous.

Contraindications for medlar: harm

The ripe fruit, especially the Japanese loquat, is safe and beneficial for most people.

An obstacle may be individual intolerance to fruits. In this case, compatibility is checked in the standard way: they eat one or two fruits and if the body does not “revolt,” everything is fine. They do the same when giving fruit to nursing mothers or children.

Children are given medlar no earlier than three years of age and only after consultation with a pediatrician. Half or one fruit is enough for a child.

Contraindications apply to the following health problems:

chronic ulcers, gastritis, pancreatic diseases;
cholecystitis;
increased stomach acidity – high acidity of the fruit will aggravate the problem.

Ripe fruit is sometimes acceptable, but unripe medlars, juices or wine are strictly prohibited.

Processed or dried fruits in the form of compote, jam, preserves, and dried fruits are safe and healthy in any case.

Even a ripe, healthy fruit will cause harm to a healthy person if he overeats. An adult needs five to seven fruits daily, a child – one or two. If you fanatically eat medlar, you can provoke an allergy.

When to collect medlar fruits and how to store them

The harvest is harvested at different times. This is determined by the type of tree and area of growth:

Japanese berry. In Turkey and the southern United States, fruits ripen in March-April, on the Black Sea coast a month later. In June-July - on the South Coast.

The fruits of the Japanese medlar reach condition only on the branch, so they are picked ripe.

Fruits are stored for three to four days in a room or refrigerator.

The fruits of the Germanic variety are usually picked after the first frost: the fruits soften and are suitable for consumption. If frosts are not expected or the fruits are needed for medicinal purposes, the crop is harvested in November or December, the fruit is poured with saline solution and left in a cool place. After two to three weeks the pulp is tender and tasty. However, the fruits wrinkle and become smaller.

Some people prefer to harvest their medlars gradually, until early spring. Leaves for medicinal use are harvested in August.
It is better to choose fruits of any variety that are medium in size and firm, without dark spots.

Conclusion

Everyone should try medlar to add to their personal collection of taste sensations. Exotic is especially useful for people suffering from diabetes or heart disease.

Even if you have stomach problems, one or two ripe fruits are unlikely to cause significant damage to your health. If there are contraindications, you can consume not fresh, but dried or processed fruits. The main thing is not to overeat.

Once my sister brought me a treat from the Black Sea coast - unusual fruits. It was a loquat tree. I had never seen it before or eaten it. I really liked her. I began to wonder what characteristics medlar is famous for, its beneficial properties and contraindications for the use of this fruit. It turns out that there is not a single part of this amazing plant that would not be beneficial. By the way, there are two types of medlar. Despite the same name, they differ in appearance and some of their properties are similar.

Medlar - what is it?

The genus of medlar fruit trees or shrubs has approximately 30 varieties. At our dachas and plots, two species are successfully cultivated and grow: medlar Caucasian (aka German) andmedlar japonica (loqua).

They are completely different from each other, but both have a pleasant taste. The fruits of the Japanese variety look like apricots with tender, aromatic pulp inside - it is difficult to transport and store.

German medlar must first be aged or slightly frozen, then it becomes soft and suitable for consumption.

Medlar tree, photo:

Medlar blooms with lush white inflorescences with a delicate, pleasant aroma, somewhat reminiscent of tuberose. Japanese loquat blooms in the fall (November), and the fruits ripen in May.

German medlar can be found in the Crimea (which is why it is sometimes called Crimean), and outside our country - in the Balkans, Asia Minor, Iran (northern regions), Transcaucasia.

Medlar flowering, photo:

Differences between Japanese and German medlar:

The Japanese one has one seed, the German one has five small seeds.
The fruits of the first variety have a soft skin and a bright, rich yellow color; the other variety has a dense skin of a dark brown hue.
In the Japanese variety, the color comes from the current year's shoots, while in the German variety, it comes from last year's shoots.
The foliage of the Japanese loquat has a fluffy coating, while another variety boasts waxy leaves.
The fruits of the Japanese medlar ripen in the spring and have a sweet taste and juicy pulp. In the German variety, the fruits ripen in the fall; they taste sour and dense.
The Japanese variety does not tolerate frost well, the German variety is quite frost-resistant.
The Japanese variety has evergreen foliage, while the German variety has drooping leaves.

Japanese medlar, photo:

German medlar, photo:

Loquat - beneficial properties

This plant does not have a single part that is not usefully used. The fruits are consumed fresh, jam is made from them, homemade alcoholic drinks and compotes are made. The loquat seeds (seeds) are dried and then ground to a powder, after which they are brewed like coffee. Even bark and foliage are used - they are used to process leather (tanning). The wood is used to make various crafts.

Japanese medlar is most often used for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. The beneficial elements contained in its fruits have a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and restore healthy intestinal microflora. The best homemade “medicine” is fruit pulp with honey. This healthy delicacy helps with inflammation of the respiratory tract, helps cleanse the lungs, relieves coughs, and makes breathing easier. Also useful are decoctions from the leaves of the plant, which contain phytoncides and are therefore successfully used to treat bronchitis.

Eating loquat fruits helps eliminate toxins, radionuclides, heavy metal salts from the body, and helps with various kidney ailments.

If you consume this fruit for a long time, the liver and pancreas will normalize their work. Medlar fruits are the strongest natural antioxidants, stimulants of the immune system, their consumption reduces the risk of developing cancer.

Medlar also contains many vitamins - this one has a beneficial effect on the functions of the cardiovascular system. The presence of an almost complete list of B vitamins, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine helps normalize blood pressure and accelerate regeneration processes.

Medlar fruits are so healthy that their value can be compared to effective medicines, but at the same time they are a product of natural origin. Even after heat treatment, medlar does not lose its beneficial qualities.

For medicinal purposes, medlar leaves should be harvested in August, and fruits in the fall. In addition to jam and juices, alcoholic tinctures are made from fruits, which can be used as medicine.

To do this, the seeds are removed from the fruits, the pulp is kneaded, and poured with vodka (100 grams is enough for 4 fruits). For better effect, the seeds can also be crushed, crushed, or added to fruit pulp. After 5 days, the tincture should be filtered, then take one tablespoon before meals.

A decoction of the leaves is prepared in this way: pour 200 grams of boiling water into one tablespoon and leave for 1 hour. This decoction can be taken 50 grams after each meal (for general strengthening of the body). To treat peptic ulcers, on the contrary, you should take 3 tablespoons of the decoction orally half an hour before meals. The same infusion helps with bleeding gums. The leaves can also be used as a hemostatic agent: just apply a fresh leaf to a wound or cut a couple of times to stop the bleeding.

The medlar fruit has some contraindications - it is not recommended for people suffering from high acidity (the fruits are sour).

Small children should be given it little by little, and care should be taken to ensure that the child does not have an allergic reaction. Nursing mothers should also consume this fruit with caution for a similar reason.

In acute forms of peptic ulcer, gastritis, diseases of the duodenum, it is better not to eat medlar. It is not advisable to eat too much fruit, as this increases the risk of an allergic reaction. Children can eat two fruits daily without any threat to health, adults – 4-5 pieces.

Loquat, how to grow at home

How to grow this beautiful, useful tree at home? There are two ways: seeds (seeds) or cuttings.

Loquat from the seed

The most effective result is obtained by propagation from seeds, since in this case the plant retains all the qualities of the mother tree.

The fruit is cut, the seeds are removed, and then they are immersed for a couple of hours in a solution to stimulate plant growth (Zircon, Epin). To remove residual pulp, as well as to speed up germination, you can treat the medlar seeds with sandpaper or scratch them with something sharp.

The container is prepared and soil is poured for indoor flowers. The seeds should be deepened into the soil by about 3 cm. For one container (one and a half or two liters) 5 pieces are enough. After this, you need to water the soil a little, cover the pot with film or glass, and place it in a warm place. The soil should be watered as it dries, but ventilation should be done daily - open the pot for a couple of hours. In this case, the air temperature should not be lower than +18°C.

The first shoots appear after about 40-50 days. After three leaves appear, the young plants, together with a lump of earth, are transplanted - each separately. This process should be done carefully, since the medlar root system is very delicate.

You can give the plant the desired shape using the pinching method. If you want to get a bush, you should pinch the top. If you just need a tree, then it is better not to interfere with the development process. The top is also pinched so that the medlar does not stretch upward. With this approach, flowering can be expected in 4-5 years.

German medlar does not require special care as it does not bloom in winter. She will be comfortable on the glazed loggia on the north side.

As for the Japanese variety, the first few years will be troublesome - it must be replanted every year, completely replacing the soil. Transplanting any plant is stressful, so it is best to do it in the summer, after fruiting has completed. Japanese loquat begins to bloom in the fall, so fertilizing should be continued throughout the winter.

The natural habitat of loquat is the tropics, so it loves a humid climate. She needs daily irrigation from a spray bottle. Watering should be done 3 or 4 times a week, but do not oversaturate the plant with moisture.

Loquat from cuttings

The stages of the cutting rooting process are as follows:

This plant takes root in the dark, so the cutting jar should be opaque or wrapped in dark paper.
Fill a jar or other container with water. To root the cuttings, you can also use a sand-peat substrate.
We cut the lower part of the branch so that the cutting angle forms 45 degrees.
We remove all the leaves from the cutting, leaving only the top couple.
Place the cutting in water. If we use a substrate, then deepen the cuttings by 5 cm and water thoroughly.
Cover the top with a cut plastic bottle and place it in a warm place, perhaps near a radiator.

After 50-60 days, the cuttings will develop roots. It can be planted in a separate pot. Provide the tree with high-quality watering and lighting. You may have to use a phytolamp first. A tree grown from a cutting begins to bear fruit after 4-5 years.

As for care, medlar prefers lighting for at least 10 hours a day, warm water for irrigation, and frequent irrigation from a spray bottle. In the summer you can give the plant a shower.

It doesn’t matter which growing method you choose, this plant is worth the effort and care you put into it. Medlar, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which we described above, will become a real home healer for you and a decoration for your home. At home, the height of the tree will not exceed one and a half meters, so you don’t have to worry that the plant will take up a lot of space.

If you live in the south, a seedling grown from a seed or cutting can be planted in open ground.

This is the kind of medlar growing in my dacha. True, it did not grow from a seed - a seedling was purchased in the fall of 2015. The seller of seedlings found it difficult to answer what kind of medlar it was, Japanese or German. Well, let's wait and see...

The top froze in winter and dried up. But leaves appeared from the lower buds. The photo was taken in the summer of 2016.

And this is the same seedling a year later (spring 2017). The first flower even bloomed!

I hope that the tree will survive the next winters... And will bring me a good harvest!

You may be interested in the following information:

Medlar is a Japanese relative of our hawthorn, quince, and also pear.

Externally it looks like a plum or peach. It tastes like something between a pear and quince.

It has the same juicy, crispy flesh with 3 or 4 seeds. If you eat carelessly, you can even splash yourself with ripe pulp.

Description of loquat fruit

Medlar is a fruit that came to Europe from China. But before Europe, he managed to visit Japan. Therefore, the full biological name is Japanese medlar. In the Caucasus it is simply called “cones”.

The fruit is bright orange. Ripe fruits peel easily. Medlar is very meaty, juicy, sweet and sour, but low in calories and high in fiber and potassium.

The fruit is very popular in Italy. There, medlar is eaten raw, and also made into jam, marmalade, and added to various culinary products. Yogurt with its flavor is very popular among Italians.

Even when it’s hot, the medlar juice inside the fruit remains pleasantly cool. On hot days they are cooling. And if you eat 1 - 2 fruits before the beach, you will be provided with an even tan.

The fruits have always been very popular, but in the past they were eaten mainly for medicinal purposes. Medlar is very rich and diverse in beneficial properties. The fruit was used to improve the health of the whole body, but especially for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract.

A long time ago, people began to eat medlar to keep their bodies in shape. This fruit has not spared men either; everyone knows its positive effect on male strength.

The trees are excellent honey plants. The flowers are fragrant, their smell reminiscent of bitter almonds.

Medlar: beneficial properties

This fruit, exotic in appearance, according to chemistry. The composition is similar to the usual apple. The majority are malic and citric acid - up to 70%. As well as sugar, vitamin C, aromatics, phytoncides, etc.

The uniqueness of medlar is its high content of beta-carotene. By breaking down, one molecule of beta-carotene turns into two molecules of vitamin A. And this is our good vision. Vitamin A is necessary for the formation of rhodopsin, and it is thanks to it that we can see. Vitamin A is especially important for twilight (night) vision. The vitamin A content in medlar is simply huge - 1.5 mg per 100 grams. For example, carrots contain 0.9 mg per 100 grams.

Medlar contains fiber. It improves food digestion. Promotes proper absorption of food. Reduces the feeling of hunger due to swelling in the stomach.

Loquat fruits contain almost all B vitamins. These are water-soluble vitamins that are not synthesized by the body itself. Their daily requirement must be obtained from outside. By and large, they all take part in cellular metabolism. Medlar contains thiamine, pyridoxine, riboflavin, nicotinic and folic acids. And this is the correct growth and development of red blood cells, normal functioning of the nervous system, good metabolism, or rather the synthesis of proteins and fats.

Medlar has a high potassium content. And this is the contraction of muscles, including the heart, as well as the transmission of nerve impulses. Regulates acid-base balance.

To eliminate diarrhea, green medlar fruits are suitable. The unripe product has an astringent taste, but at the same time holds feces together well.

For prolonged constipation, colitis, bloating, gas formation, on the contrary, ripe medlar is suitable. In addition, it improves liver function and helps eliminate bad cholesterol.

Medlar has strong bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antipyretic properties. Ripe berries are very useful for people with diseases of the cardiovascular and urinary systems. Medlar improves heart function, lowers blood pressure, and cleanses blood vessels. It also helps remove salts, sand or stones from the kidneys.

Loquat leaves are very valuable. They contain a natural adsorbent - amygdoline. This substance cleanses the body of harmful substances: toxins, heavy metals, waste. Pectins contained in medlar remove radionuclides. A decoction of dry bark is an excellent antibacterial agent for treating the oral cavity. A decoction is indicated for gumboils, bleeding, paradentosis, and sore throat.

Like any berry or fruit, medlar is a dietary food product. 100 grams contains 44 kcal, but thanks to the fiber, the feeling of hunger does not occur for a long time.

Thanks to vitamin C, medlar helps improve immunity. The fruit is indicated in the autumn-winter period to combat colds. Ripe pulp removes phlegm from the lungs, soothes a lingering cough, and reduces shortness of breath. The fruit is useful for bronchial asthma.

Alcohol tincture of medlar

The most effective way to treat colds is an alcohol infusion made from medlar.

To prepare you will need:

7 - 8 ripe fruits
100 gr. vodka

Remove the seeds from the fruit and cut into slices. Break the seeds and place them together with the pulp in a glass jar. Pour the contents with vodka and leave in a dark place for 3 days. Store in the refrigerator with the lid closed. Drink 1 tbsp. l. 2 times a day.

Especially useful for bronchitis, asthma, cough, etc. Combine internal reception with rubbing.

Medlar is a powerful natural antioxidant. All thanks to vitamin A, C, as well as the flavonoids contained in it. Excessive oxidation of the body is a big problem. An acidic environment is the basis for the development of various foci of inflammation, a paradise for the development of diaphoretic microorganisms.

In addition to all of the above, medlar is rich in minerals: calcium, potassium, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper.

Daily consumption of juicy fruit protects us from a serious disease - diabetes. Because it stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin.

Loquat pulp is very useful for facial skin, for maintaining its youth and elasticity. It’s not for nothing that vitamin A is called the vitamin of beauty. And medlar is the record holder for its content.

Fresh pulp is a natural face cream. Loquat gruel will moisturize the face, remove dryness, nourish, relieve puffiness, improve the passage of oxygen, and rejuvenate the cells.

Medlar contraindications

Increased stomach acidity.
Stomach ulcer.
An allergic reaction is possible.

Beneficial properties of loquat leaves and bark

Leaf tea is very popular in Japan and China. This is all due to the fact that this tea is a good antiviral agent. It is a good expectorant and treats coughs, and helps with sore throats.

Preparing tea from medlar leaves is as easy as shelling pears. As usual, they are poured with boiling water and allowed to brew for a while. If desired, you can add honey.

Therefore, if you are lucky enough to find yourself near a medlar tree, do not be lazy to pick the leaves and dry them for the winter. This is an amazing cold remedy.

Medlar leaves can be brewed in a mix with other ingredients, for example, ginger root, licorice root, mint, basil, raspberry leaf, etc.

The fact is that the phytoncides contained in medlar leaves promote the production of antibodies. Therefore, the body heals itself.

Tea from the leaves also cleanses the blood of sugar and cholesterol. Improves its composition and liquefies the structure. Loquat leaves help preserve minerals. This is very important in the summer. If you have “soft” bones or a lack of minerals, tea from medlar leaves is what you need. In addition, it relieves inflammation in the joints.

If you are lucky enough to get your hands on medlar bark, don’t be lazy and make a decoction. This is an excellent oral care product.

Medlar compote: recipe

4 ripe fruits.
1 l. water.
1/3 lemon.
150 g sugar.
mint.

Bring water to a boil. Add 150 gr. Sahara. Meanwhile, cut the medlar in half. We do not remove the bones. Add the fruits to boiling sweet water.

After boiling, squeeze out the lemon juice. Boil for 5 - 10 minutes and turn off. After this, transfer the medlar fruits into a prepared jar and fill them with syrup. Place 3-4 mint leaves with a stem on top. Cover the container with a lid.

After cooling, you can drink. And if you use a sterile jar, you can prepare it for the winter. Then the mint is thrown into boiling compote for a couple of minutes to sterilize.

Loquat japonica (loquat)- plant of the Rosaceae family. The fruits are also called lokva. This fruit is native to Southeast Asia. Today you can find the fruits in the Caucasus, India, Japan and other territories with a similar climate.

The fruits, which are collected in clusters, are oval, round or pear-shaped. The length of the fruit varies from 3 to 5 cm. Under the dense peel, which can be yellow or orange with a reddish tint, there is juicy pulp. Depending on the variety, it can be white, yellow or orange (see photo). In addition, the taste of the fruit is different, so it can be sweet, sour or sweet and sour. The pulp may contain from 3 to 5 large seeds. Ripe fruits are very easy to peel. The taste of the fruit is somewhat similar to strawberries, pears and apples.

Beneficial features

The Japanese medlar fruit contains a large amount of vitamin C, which has a beneficial effect on the immune system and increases the body's protective functions against viruses and various infections. B vitamins have a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin A has a beneficial effect on vision and helps get rid of some eye problems. The fruits also contain folic acid, which is necessary for pregnant women.

Loquat contains quite a lot of potassium, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Calcium, which is found in fruits, strengthens hair, nails and bones.

Use in cooking

Japanese medlar fruit consumed not only fresh, but also soaked and processed. The fruits are used to make various drinks, for example, juice, compote, etc. are made from them. Very tasty wine is made from the Japanese medlar. In addition, the fruit is perfect for jams, preserves, marmalade and marshmallows. Japanese medlar is also widely used as a filling for making sweets and various baked goods. The fruits are included in the recipe for many fruit salads and desserts. The seeds of the fruit can be used as a coffee substitute.

The benefits of Japanese medlar (loquat) and treatment

The benefits of Japanese medlar (loquat) are widely used in traditional medicine recipes. For example, the fruits are used to strengthen the intestines and improve digestion in general. A decoction prepared from unripe fruits and seeds is recommended for use for inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, it helps in the treatment of urolithiasis.

If you collect the leaves during the flowering period, the decoction prepared from them will have an antidiarrheal and hemostatic effect. It can also be used to gargle during a cold. Due to the tannins contained in the leaves, they have a healing and anti-inflammatory effect.

Syrup made from the medlar fruit helps relieve sore throat due to severe cough. In addition, it can serve as an analgesic and sedative. The syrup will also help in the treatment of diseases of the stomach and intestines, as well as the respiratory tract. A decoction made from flowers and leaves is recommended for use for sore throats and inflammation of the oral cavity.

Harm of Japanese medlar (loquat) and contraindications

Japanese medlar (loquat) can cause harm to people with individual intolerance to the product. Avoid eating fruits if you have gastritis with high acidity and ulcers. There are contraindications to the use of loqua in people with inflammation of the pancreas.

By the way, this does not apply to the use of preserves and jams. In addition, it is worth controlling the amount of fruits eaten, as this can cause various problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Medlar - the unusual name of the fruit mentally takes you to the orchards of the East, where exotic fruit trees and shrubs grow, mysterious beauties walk, and unprecedented passions boil. This is a fruit that has absorbed the warmth of sunlight and the tenderness of southern nights. In fact -

it is an evergreen tree belonging to the Rosaceae family

. The height of trees in the homeland of growth can reach 7-8 meters, depending on the species. There are species that grow as shrubs.

The plant is widespread in Southeast Asia, the Caucasus, and Iran. In Japan and China, medlar is grown on an industrial scale, but the tree is mainly grown as an ornamental green plant. Loquat is an evergreen tree of the Rosaceae family, the fruits of which combine the flavors of several fruits.

Medlar loves warmth

, it needs long daylight hours, although it is quite frost-resistant, withstanding frosts down to -15°C. Severe frosts can cause the tree to stop blooming and bearing fruit.

In mid-latitudes, it will need shelter for the winter, which is almost impossible to provide for an 8-meter tree, so in the middle zone, medlar is grown as shrubs or at home., sizes from small, like an apricot, to large, like a peach. There are varieties that are very small, the size of a cherry, round in shape, and also giants the size of an avocado.

Medlar has an unusual taste, different from the usual taste sensations. Gourmets note that the taste is similar to a combination of pear and cherry, or apple and apricot, or strawberry.

Opinions vary, so everyone should try and decide for themselves what this fruit tastes like. The sweet and sour juice of the fruit quenches thirst well; it is cool, delicate, with a delicate aroma. When choosing a fruit, you need to focus on its softness and aroma. The most delicious are considered to be small berries, the size of an apricot. They are juicy and very fragrant.

The leaves of the plant are oval-shaped, glossy, with brightly visible veins. By autumn, the leaves turn purple, which gives the plant a special decorative appearance. It is not for nothing that medlar is grown to decorate parks and gardens in the Caucasus republics.

The plant blooms with beautiful, fragrant, single flowers.

Beneficial properties of fruits

Medlar is considered not only tasty, but also a healthy product. Its effect on the body is determined by the vitamins and minerals it contains, fiber, beta-carotene, phytoncides, etc.

The fruit is used for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:

Restoring metabolism, strengthening immunity.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: it improves the digestion of food, is used for pathologies caused by pathogenic bacteria, removes mucus and other decay elements from the body, etc.
Diabetes. Eating this fruit promotes the production of insulin in the body.

Medlar promotes the production of insulin, therefore it is used in the treatment of diabetes.

The fruits, due to their low calorie content, are used in dietary nutrition.
Inflammatory diseases. Consumption of medlar helps to quickly cure bronchitis, softens the course of urolithiasis, and has a positive effect on male strength.
The fruit is able to rejuvenate the skin and nourish it with essential vitamins. After using masks made from medlar pulp, the skin becomes smooth, smooth and radiant.

In addition to the fruits, the leaves of the plant also have medicinal properties.

Medlar Japanese, German, Crimean, Caucasian (Abkhazia)

Several types of garden medlar are known. Depending on the species, not only the growth form of medlar changes, but also the appearance of the fruit. The most common are Japanese, which is mainly planted in Japan, China, and German, also called Crimean or Caucasian.

In our latitudes, German medlar is most often grown

The Japanese type of fruit is large, juicy and very aromatic. The tree blooms between September and March, the fruits ripen at the end of June. The German species is small in size, but it is more frost-resistant and unpretentious. Therefore, this plant variety is mainly grown in Russia. This plant variety blooms in May, and fruit maturity occurs in late autumn.

Unlike the Japanese variety, the color of the fruit of the German variety is brownish-red; it is consumed after the first frost.

How to grow at home

As a decorative tree, the plant can be grown at home from seed or vegetatively. It will decorate the winter garden with its unusual appearance.

One way to grow medlar at home is from seeds

Breeders have bred special domestic plant species: varieties “Morozko”, “Tanaka”, “Premier”, “Champagne”, etc. They are also capable of bearing fruit, but the taste of the fruit is milder and less pronounced. The Japanese species can be propagated by cuttings, which are either planted in drainage or grafted onto an apple or hawthorn tree.

The plant needs sunlight, sufficient air humidity, for its fruiting it is important that it is not exposed to frost. One tree can live 30-40 years with good care.

Take the opportunity to learn more about the best indoor plant Dracaena (photo of Dracaena, how to care for, propagate, etc.)

Where to buy seedlings. Price

The easiest way to propagate a plant is to buy a seedling. They are grown in special nurseries and sold through specialized stores, including via the Internet:

The online store “Gardens of Babylon” offers to purchase medlar seedlings from 1,350 rubles. for 1 piece
In the online store "Saplings" the plant is sold at a price of 679 rubles. per piece
At the Sign of the Earth Nursery, the cost of a plant is 1,200 rubles. for 1 piece

Before choosing a seedling via the Internet, you need to look at reviews about the quality of the material sent through this Internet portal, which are available not only directly on the site, but also on thematic forums.

Medlar seedlings, growing conditions in an apartment, soil, care

Having purchased a plant seedling, you need to think about its location. The height of a home plant can reach 1-1.5 meters; it needs good lighting, but without direct sunlight. If the plant does not have enough light, it will begin to shed leaves and will not bloom or bear fruit, so lighting may be required.

You can plant any type of plant in an apartment, but if the plant is purchased for planting and growing at home, then preference is given to species specifically designed for indoor conditions.

Cuttings are planted in spring or autumn in slightly acidic soils with good drainage.

A suitable pot is selected for planting; it should allow the roots of the cutting to be freely placed. Preparing the soil and drainage. Mineral fertilizers are added to the soil, and expanded clay is poured into the bottom of the pot. The plant is carefully placed in the pot.

For medlar grown in a house or apartment, you should select a spacious pot, pouring expanded clay and soil into it

Caring for the plant consists of regular watering and periodically spraying the leaves with warm water. In the summer, the tree can be taken out into the fresh air, increasing watering. In winter, watering is reduced, the plant can be kept on the balcony, up to a temperature of -2°C – +5°C, without watering it.

To form a crown, the plant is pruned by a third in the first and second years, then as needed.

The plant is replanted as it grows, once every 3-4 years.

Growing a tree in the country

If the tree is planned to be planted on a personal plot, then It is better to plant German medlar, because it is more frost-resistant and unpretentious. German medlar is planted in open ground as seedlings.

At a summer cottage, medlar should be planted in a spacious, well-lit place

Before planting, it is necessary to take into account that the tree can reach a height of 3 meters or more, he needs space and good lighting. The soil chosen is slightly acidic, without close proximity to groundwater.

First, prepare a hole: peat, humus, and sand are poured into the hole in equal quantities. The dimensions of the hole should be such as to freely accommodate the roots of the seedling.

Water the plant moderately, increasing the watering rate during flowering and fruit ripening. The tree is fed 4-5 times per season with humus and organic fertilizers. To prevent diseases, seedlings are treated with pest control drugs 1-2 times per season.

To form a crown, the plant must be pruned. It is better to do this in the fall after harvesting.

Homemade medlar. How to grow from a seed at home in a pot

An interesting way to propagate a plant is to grow a tree from seeds. This method is only suitable for fresh plant seeds.

If medlar is planted with seeds, then Before planting in the ground, it is recommended to scarify the shell. The top protective layer is removed from the seed using sandpaper. Next, the bones are soaked for several hours in a biostimulator.

The prepared seeds are planted to a depth of 3-4 cm. After planting, the pot with the seeds is covered with glass to create a microclimate and placed in a bright place without direct sunlight. Seeds germinate on average after 1 month.

To germinate seeds, the pot with medlar should be placed under glass in a well-lit place, but without direct sunlight.

After germination, the glass gradually begins to be removed for several hours a day. After 2 true leaves appear, the glass is removed completely. The room temperature should be about 20°C.

Young plants need to be fed 3-4 times a season with mineral and organic fertilizers, make sure that the plant has slightly moist soil, and periodically carefully spray the sprout with warm water.

What harm can it do to the body? Contraindications

Harm from medlar can be caused by overeating it.

If the body is not accustomed to the fruit, It is recommended to consume 2-3 fruits per day, gradually increasing the dose, otherwise it may result in indigestion, colic and pain in the gastrointestinal tract.

The fruit is used with caution in open forms of gastritis, pancreatitis, peptic ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract, and intolerance of the body to the constituent substances.

Medlar is not recommended for use for gastrointestinal diseases.

Cooking recipes

You can make a lot of healthy and tasty desserts with the fruit; it is used to make fillings for pies, jams, sauces, and jams.

Here are some interesting recipes using this fruit.

Jam

Most often, jam is made from medlar. To do this, collect 5 kg of ripe fruits, clean them of debris, wash them and boil them with the addition of 1-1.5 glasses of water. When the fruit becomes soft, rub it through a sieve, add 2 kg of sugar and boil until tender.

If you like a spicy, rich taste of jam, you can add cloves. Lovers of citrus aroma add lemon or orange zest to the jam.

The finished jam is packaged in sterile jars with screw-on lids.

Compote

Fruit compote is prepared in the same way as apple compote. The fruits are placed in sterile jars, filled with sugar syrup and sterilized for 10-15 minutes. in a water bath.

Chicken baked with apples and medlar

This recipe is suitable not only for a quiet family dinner; you can surprise and delight your guests with this dish.

To cook chicken you will need the following: Ingredients:

chicken 1 piece,
sunflower oil 2 tbsp. spoons,
salt, garlic, pepper - to taste,
sour apples 4 pcs.,
medlar 1/2 cup.

The carcass is soaked in a marinade of oil, salt, pepper and garlic and left for 2 hours. Transfer to a duck dish and cover with chopped apples and whole medlar.

Bake in the oven for 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the size of the carcass, periodically pouring the resulting juice over the chicken.

You can bake duck and ham in the same way.

Loquats can be frozen for fresh use in winter. To do this, simply put it in disposable containers and put it in the freezer.

Loquat can be frozen for the winter by simply placing it in disposable containers

In winter, medlar can be used to make fresh compote or add to fruit salad. Meddlar is often grown as an ornamental plant, without realizing how healthy and tasty it is. Fans of exotic plants and fruits will certainly enjoy not only growing the tree, but also collecting its fruits and conducting various interesting culinary experiments with it.

What is medlar and how to grow it:

Useful properties of medlar: