Medlar Pickle

Medlars were one of my favorite childhood fruits. They are the size of a walnut and usually light brown, as shown in the photo on the facing page. The fruit has a unique sour flavor, something between a persimmon and a blueberry. I bought some of this pickle from a vendor in Masouleh, who also gave me the recipe. This pickle is associated with the winter festival/shab-e yalda.