Mespilus germanica Bredase Reus: The World's Largest Medlar in My Garden

There has been a large-fruited medlar in my garden for years. Every autumn when those brown, strangely shaped fruits ripen, a scent and taste comes back that I remember from my grandmother's garden as a child. Medlar is one of the forgotten fruits. Yet it is highly valued around the world.

While researching I came across Mespilus germanica Bredase Reus. Known since 1934 in the Dutch city of Breda, with fruits reaching 5-6 cm in diameter, it is one of the largest medlar varieties in the world. I want to add this variety alongside the medlar already in our garden.

Scientific Identity and Variety History

Full name: Mespilus germanica Bredase Reus. Family: Rosaceae. Species origin: Western Asia and the Caucasus, spread to Europe by the Romans. Variety origin: Netherlands, city of Breda. First recorded: 1934. Commercial distribution: From 1950 via Van den Berk Nurseries. Meaning: Bredase Reus means Giant of Breda in Dutch.

Why Bredase Reus?

Large fruit size is rare among medlar varieties. Most medlar varieties produce fruits of 3-4 cm in diameter. Bredase Reus can reach 5-6 cm. This is genuinely considered giant by medlar standards.

The flavor is also good. The sweetness-acidity balance is pleasant. Shape is more regular compared to some other large-fruited varieties. It shows vigorous growth, can reach up to 6 meters.

What is Medlar and Why Was It Forgotten?

Mespilus germanica was one of medieval Europe's most beloved fruits. A staple of the table until the 15th-16th centuries. Then as apples, pears and quinces became widespread, medlar fell to second place. Now it is being rediscovered by rare fruit enthusiasts and permaculture gardeners.

What makes medlar special is the ripening process. Fruits harvested in autumn are not eaten immediately. They are left for a few weeks at room temperature or in a cool place. During this time the flesh softens, turns from white to brown and that characteristic sweet-tart, slightly spiced aroma emerges. This is called bletting.

The Medlar Already in Our Garden

The medlar in the photo is one of our garden's old residents. With its large leaves, those open-ended fruits and its autumn color show, it adds value to the garden in all four seasons. But we don't know its exact variety.

Adding Bredase Reus would bring both variety richness and the advantage of having two trees. Medlar is self-fertile but having another variety nearby increases pollination, raising fruit size and yield.

Permaculture Value

Mespilus germanica is an ideal fruit tree for a permaculture garden. Long-lived, can survive 100 years and beyond. Large white flowers in May are an important nectar source for bees. Leaf fall provides rich organic matter for soil. Low maintenance, no chemicals needed, very resistant to pests. The bletting process is a natural fermentation and shelf-life extension method. Attractive to birds and wildlife too.

How to Grow It

Grows in full sun or partial shade. Well-draining, moderately fertile soil is ideal. Very rich soil produces more branches and less fruit. Prefers slightly acidic soil, chlorosis can occur in calcareous soils. Very cold hardy, down to -20 degrees. Pruning: Light shaping in late winter, keep branching open. Pollination: Self-fertile but a second variety increases yield. Harvest: October-November, ideal to collect after first frost. Ripening: After harvest, leave in a cool place for 2-4 weeks for the bletting process to complete.

Where to Find It

Bredase Reus can be obtained from some nurseries in Europe, especially in the Netherlands and the UK. Van den Berk Nurseries in the Netherlands is one nursery that carries this variety. Ordering from RHS-recommended nurseries in the UK is also possible. In Turkey it is found in very few nurseries yet, it needs to be sought as a rare variety.

If you have a medlar in your garden, add Bredase Reus alongside it. If not, start both together. Rediscovering this forgotten fruit is one of the most beautiful investments you can make for both your palate and your garden.