Nespola Italiana
Nespola italiana here means the common medlar, Mespilus germanica, eaten after its firm brown fruit has softened.
- Identity
- Common medlar, Mespilus germanica
- Character
- Brown skin and a conspicuous open calyx
- Preparation
- Allowed to soften after harvest
From firm fruit to soft pulp
The regional-funded Puglia atlas describes harvesting the firm fruit and allowing it to soften. Its astringent taste becomes sweeter through ammezzimento. The local saying about time and straw is a reminder that this fruit asks for patience, not a crisp first bite.
Try it in the kitchen
Taste the softened pulp with a spoon, separating it from the hard seeds, then try a little with fresh ricotta. This is the common medlar, rather than the Japanese loquat often also sold as nespola.
