The neighbors have a medlar tree. It’s not my tree, the neighbors don’t know me, and it’s too early in the year for harvest. But after days of hard wind and rain, some medlar fruits fell off the tree and were beaten into the mud. That made it feel ethically okay to pick up three weatherbeaten fruits and bring them home.
This would be the place to pile on details about how to “blet” and prepare the fruits. But looking up medlar history and recipes will be so enjoyable (well, for the people out there who enjoy looking up food history and recipes) that it’s only fair to let everyone have their own heritage plant fun.
These fruits have a long respectable colorful history that is worth learning. In colder climates the tree has been prized for its ability to lighten the winter by bearing us something sweet. Maybe our apartment complex will let me plant one here?
consolationland 
Yep – curiosity sent me on a very interesting little search, which isn’t over yet
except I have to go to an appointment now. Thank you for this very cool ride!
Hello Dear Maggie! It feels very special that you took time out from all that is going on in your vast life now, for a look at medieval fruit. Thinking about you every day, will be right here for whenever, Love from your old teaching colleague, Masha