Any ideas on who might have some medlars (the fruit, not the trees) available (buy, trade or purloin) around the BC Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island or the islands between? Neighbour's dad, now into his 90s, has been longing to taste them again and we wanted to get him some for Christmas. Much appreciate any leads.
On account of the situation, I'd happily mail you some--though I could only provide around a half dozen or so, just enough for a taste. As they have to blet (ripen, then begin rotting) before eating, they should be nice and mushy by Christmas. Ideally you'll want more, and might well find a bunch closer to home. There's gotta be some in the GVRD, somewhere. But if it's getting on and you've had no luck, or just want a few in pocket, PM me and I'll mail them out. At the very least, he can get another taste.
My friend, you are a saint. My neighbour will be ecstatic. A half dozen is plenty. Her dad, who originates from the UK, just wants to taste them again. Apparently knows all about the practice of bletting, they apparently used to put the medlars in a cardboard box and keep them under the bed until Christmas. When they were all brown and mushy, they used to feast on them. I know this will make both my neighbour and her father very happy! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Will pm.
There are probably some on the street trees on 6th between Maple and Arbutus in Vancouver. I'd feel bad if you took them all, as I think the neighbours do eat them, or at least someone I talked to said they did. And I just saw a private tree at 917 W. 7th with a lot of fruits (pictured). They need to be bletted and we haven't had a frost yet. I did put one in the freezer one year and it seemed ok when I got around to eating it. I've never had one that was naturally bletted to compare to.
Many thanks for that information, Wendy. Have passed it on to my neighbour for next year. In the meantime, woodshmoe was kind enough to provide several medlars for our neighbour's father. Thanks to all who responded.
