Under one common name, two fruit plants are known: Caucasian and Japanese loquat. At the same time, their differences are so obvious that botanists attributed them to different species and genera of the Rosaceae family. First of all, we are interested in the Caucasian medlar. In accordance with its name, this fruit crop first appeared in the Caucasus. There is evidence that it was cultivated in those places for three thousand years. In some sources, this plant is called German medlar (ordinary). This name was given to her by Carl Linnaeus, but it has survived unchanged to this day. On an industrial scale, this crop is grown in Asia Minor, Western Europe, Transcaucasia, in the south of Ukraine, Moldova and Russia.
Medlar Caucasian is a deciduous tree. It often reaches 5 m in height and the same crown diameter in width. Precisely because the medlar is a very large tree, few people want to have it in their garden. It blooms in May. Flowering plants are very decorative. Loquat fruits reach full maturity only in late autumn or early winter. Due to the fact that this plant has a very long growing season, growing it in climaticconditions in Russia is rather difficult.
Medlar Caucasian bears small fruits. Their diameter does not exceed 2.5 cm, and the length is about 7 cm. They can be apple-shaped, rounded or other in shape. Almost naked fruits are yellowish-brown, brown, red-brown. Their flesh is brown. It tastes sweet and sour, refreshing. There are 5 seeds (pits) inside the fruit.
The energy value of these fruits is low. So, 100 g of medlar contains only 40-45 kcal. They contain substances such as protein (up to 0.7%), fats (up to 0.6%), fiber (up to 0.9%), sugar (up to 8.6%), organic acids (up to 0.18 %). The fruits contain vitamins B1 (0.02 mg/100 g), B2 (0.04 mg/100 g), C (10 mg/100 g), B2 (0.04 mg/100 g), beta-carotene (up to 775 mg/kg). Caucasian loquat is rich in minerals: phosphorus (up to 36 mg/100 g), calcium (up to 30 mg/100 g), iron (up to 0.8 mg/100 g), potassium (up to 350 mg/100 g). The fruits contain many organic acids (citric, malic, tartaric). The fruits can only be consumed after they have acquired a soft (pasty) consistency.
Medlar Caucasian is often used not only as a food product, but also as a medicine. Its fruits have antidysenteric, antidiarrheal properties. They improve metabolism, normalize the functioning of the endocrine glands. Organic acids have a positive effect on the circulatory and nervous system, liver, lungs.
The medlar plant has a verya decorative look, so if there are free plots of land in the garden, you can try to grow this tree. As a rule, 3-4 year old trees grown in a nursery are planted in open ground.
How to grow medlar? Landing is carried out in late autumn. Only well-fertilized soil is suitable for this plant. Seedlings are tied to a strong peg. The first 2 years, the conductors of the skeletal branches are cut out by half. In the next 2 years, they are cut only by a quarter. Side shoots should be shortened to 15-20 cm. Care for adult plants consists of minor pruning, although you can do without it.
Medlar Caucasian is usually not subject to any diseases and pest attacks. The fruits are harvested in October-November. They are laid out in one layer in a cool place for 3-4 weeks for ripening. When they are soft, they can be eaten fresh or used to make preserves.
