Now Forage

Apple: Background colour changes from green to yellow or cream (variety determines final colour). Seeds inside should be brown. Flesh yields slightly to thumb pressure. A ripe apple releases with a gentle upward twist — no pulling. Check the ground for natural drops.

Common medlar: Must be bletted before eating. Pick after the first hard frost; store in a single layer in a cool room for 2–4 weeks until flesh is dark brown and very soft. Sweet, wine-like flavour.

European pear: Pick when background colour shifts from green to yellow-green and the stem separates cleanly. Finish ripening indoors — flesh near the stem should give slightly when pressed.

Loquat: Clusters of orange-yellow fruit; ripe when fully orange with no green, yields to gentle pressure, and comes off the stem with a slight tug. Very sweet and aromatic when right — mealy if overripe. Short shelf life after picking.