MEDLAR

a fruit which belongs to the apple and quince family, but looks more like a plum. It has the unusual characteristic that it is not edible until well past the ripe stage-the pulp is tender and of an agreeable sub-acid flavor when it commences to decay, whereas it is hard and bitter when ripe. It is eaten both raw and cooked.

The juice of the raw fruit makes an excellent cold drink, and the flesh, cut up, is a pleasing addition to many mixed fruit and other beverages.