A small European tree of the rose family that produces white flowers and red apple-like fruits, sometimes grown ornamentally.
From French 'azerolier', which comes from Arabic 'al-azar' (the medlar or hawthorn), reflecting the medieval European interest in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fruit trees.
The azarole fruit was treasured in medieval Europe as a delicacy and remedy, preserved in syrups and cordials, but it faded from fashion as new fruits from the Americas became available, making it a kind of 'lost' food of history.
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