Mespilus germanica or hawthorn, to improve their performance in different soils. "Mespilus germanica" fruits are hard and acidic, but become edible after being softened, 'bletted', by frost, or naturally in storage given sufficient time. Once softening begins, the skin rapidly takes on a wrinkled texture and turns dark brown, and the inside reduces to the consistency and flavour reminiscent of apple sauce. This process can confuse those new to medlars, as a softened fruit looks as if it has spoiled. Once bletted, the fruit can be eaten raw and is often eaten as a dessert, or used to make medlar jelly. They
SweeTango have observed including 'State Fair' (not patented), 'Arends' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,800), and 'Minnewashta'. The patent compares this new apple style to the state fruit of Minnesota, the 'Honeycrisp'. 'Minneiska' is an early season apple, with fruit ripening about the first week of September in Excelsior, Minnesota. Ripening time is slightly after 'Minnewashta', and about two to three weeks before 'Honeycrisp'.” The patent further shows that the new apple variety has characteristics superior to the 'Honeycrisp' apple (its "mother") “'Minneiska' is readily distinguished from its parent 'Honeycrisp' in that the fruit of 'Minneiska' ripen approximately two to three weeks