April 26th 2007
We are lucky enough to have inherited an orchard which is situated next to our garden.
We have various trees in our orchard which are currently covered in lovely blossom. Take a look for yourself.
The pear tree blossom.
The crab-apple tree blossom.
The cooking apple tree blossom.
The plum tree blossom.
The damson tree.
We enjoy harvesting the fruits every year and look forward to sampling the damson’s when the tree establishes itself. The damson tree was a gift from my parents for my husband’s birthday and was only planted a year and a half ago.
Click on the image below to visit Amazon.co.uk to find out more about this book or visit one of the Farming Friends Bookshops.
Apples Damsons Orchards Pears Plums
January 25th 2007
Medlars are large shrubs or small trees.
The leaves are long, dark green and turn red in Autumn.
They are deciduous (shed their leaves annually).
Medlars produce a five petalled white flower in late Spring.
They bear fruit which has a matt brown coloured skin.
The fruit is spherical in shape but has the appearance of being slightly hollow.
Medlar fruit are very hard and acidic when unripe.
They can be picked in late Autumn and then they are usually stored until they are ripe.
The fruit can be eaten raw but only when they have ripened and softened.
When the softening process starts in October/November the skin becomes wrinkled and turns dark brown.
When ripened the inside of the fruit turns to fruit pulp.
The inside is edible and the skin and stone are not to be eaten.
Medlar fruit can be used to make medlar jam, jelly, wine or cheese.
Fruit Medlar Medlars
