Although little known in the U.S., Medlars have been grown in Europe for thousands of years. The unusual  round fruits are collected in the fall, after the first frosts. When picked, the fruits are much too hard to eat immediately. If allowed to ripen for a few weeks in a cool lighted place they undergo a process called ‘bletting’ and become soft, spicy and very rich. Enjoy the cinnamon-apple sauce flavor scooped out with a spoon.