01 October 2026
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Overripe medlars? Don't throw them away! Here's how to make a delicious cup of tea in just 2 minutes
The Kitchen
By Claire Beaumont, the Technique desk · Italia · 2 min ·

Overripe medlars? Don't throw them away! Here's how to make a delicious cup of tea in just 2 minutes

Looking for a soft, quick treat? May brings us medlars, a sweet but short-lived fruit: if you have some very ripe ones in the fridge, don't let them go to waste!

Ingredients · Servings 4
  • Very ripe medlars 8
  • Egg at room temperature 1
  • Sugar 60 g
  • Sunflower seed oil 40 ml
  • Milk or other vegetable drink 60 ml
  • Flour 00 120 gr
  • Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Method · 18 min
  1. Start by peeling the medlars: carefully remove the inner skin and extract the large stones. A valuable tip for zero waste: don't throw them away! Save them to use as a flavoring base for making a delicious homemade medlar liqueur.
  2. Mash the fruit pulp with a fork until it forms a coarse purée. In a bowl, whisk the egg and sugar together using a hand whisk.
  3. Then add the seed oil, milk, medlar puree and sugar, mixing well to combine all the liquids.
  4. Gradually incorporate the sifted flour and baking powder. Mix thoroughly until the dough is smooth and free of lumps.
  5. Divide the mixture into 4 microwave-safe mugs. Make sure to fill them only halfway: this will prevent any annoying spills during the rising process.
  6. Microwave one cup at a time at 800W for about 1 minute and 45 seconds. Before removing from the oven, always check that the surface of the cake is dry and spongy. Prefer to use an air fryer? Insert the cups and cook at 170°C for 20 minutes.

Forget the long wait and complexities of a loquat tart; here, all you need is a cup and a few minutes to achieve a spongy, fragrant result. If you've stocked up on fruit and are looking for something to keep in the pantry, you could try a loquat and apple jam or the traditional loquat marmalade. But if you're craving something sweet, this mug cake is the perfect answer.

The real secret to this recipe is the zero-waste approach: while making the dough, remember not to throw away the seeds! They're the basic ingredient for making a fragrant homemade medlar stone liqueur. This way, you'll use every part of the fruit, just as those who love sustainable and creative cuisine like to do.

Are you a microwave enthusiast and looking for more variations? In addition to this fruity version, you'll find the classic Mug Cake for purists, the delicious Nutella Mug Cake for those with a sweet tooth, or the energy-boosting Banana Mug Cake. But enough chit-chat: grab your favorite mug and let's make this delicious treat together!

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