Mespilus loquat, one of several "Eriobotrya" species, was formerly thought to be closely related to the genus "Mespilus", and is still sometimes known in some European countries as a medlar and is still sometimes called the "Japanese medlar". Many authors group "Mespilus" together with "Crataegus" in a single genus. When thus combined, the correct species name is "Crataegus germanica" (L.) Kuntze. The common name “snowy mespilus” attaches to certain species of "Amelanchier", notably "Amelanchier lamarckii" and "Amelanchier ovalis". "Mespilus germanica" features an unusual apple-like fruit. In southern Europe, the medlar fruit ripen fully and can be eaten off the tree, but
Apple butter copper kettles outside. Large paddles were used to stir the apples, and family members would take turns stirring. In Appalachia, apple butter was the only type of fruit preserve normally rendered into fruit leather. In Europe, an apple butter is traditionally made which is closer to dense syrup, in the Netherlands (known as , meaning "apple syrup") and in Germany (known as "") and frequently eaten on bread with (or without) thinly sliced cheese and with "Sauerbraten". A sweeter version, made using pears, as well as apples, is more popular in Belgium, where it is known as "sirop de Liège".