Under one common name, two fruit plants are known: Caucasian loquat and Japanese. Moreover, their differences are so obvious that the botanists attributed them to different species and genera of
the Rosaceae family. First of all, we are interested in the loquat Caucasian. 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 a medlar of Germanic (ordinary). This name was given to her by Karl Linney, but it has remained unchanged to this day. On an industrial scale, this culture is grown in
Asia Minor, Western Europe, Transcaucasia, in the south of Ukraine, Moldova and Russia.
The loquat Caucasian is a deciduous tree. It often reaches 5 m in height and the same crown diameter in width. Just because medlar is a very large tree, few people want to have it in their garden. It blooms in May. Flowering plants have a very decorative appearance. The fruits of medlar reach full maturity only in late autumn or early winter. Due to the fact that this plant has a very long vegetation period, growing it in the climatic conditions of Russia is rather difficult.
Caucasian medlar brings small fruits. Their diameter does not exceed 2.5 cm, and their length is about 7 cm. They can be apple-shaped, rounded or other shape. Almost bare fruits are yellowish-brown, brown, red-brown. The flesh is brown in color. It tastes sweet, sour, refreshing. There are 5 seeds (seeds) inside the fruit.
The energy value of these fruits is low. So, in 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 have a lot of organic acids (citric, malic, tartaric). Fruits can be consumed only after they acquire a soft (pasty) consistency.
Caucasian loquat 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 very decorative appearance, so if you have free 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 skeletal branches are cut in half. In the next 2 years, they are cut only a quarter. Side shoots should be shortened to 15-20 cm. Care for adult plants consists in a slight pruning, although you can do without it.
Caucasian loquat is usually not susceptible to some 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 become soft, they can be eaten fresh or used to make preservation.