African Ebony

Diospyros mespiliformis — Ebenaceae

Italiano: Ebano africano

Description

African Ebony (Diospyros mespiliformis) belongs to the Ebenaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Woodland, savanna, riverine environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, African Ebony is african tree producing sweet yellow edible fruits. Related to commercial persimmon and ebony timber.. The edible parts include Fruits. With an edibility rating of 7/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during December, February, January, November and October. Nutritionally, African Ebony stands out for its Vitamin C (45.0mg, 50% DV), Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV) and Vitamin E (1.0mg, 7% DV). It also provides 2.0g protein and 3.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, African Ebony offers a Sweet, honey-like, persimmon-like when ripe flavor profile. Wait for fruit to turn yellow and soften; eat raw. Common culinary applications include Fresh eating, Dried fruit, Preserves. Popular preparations include Eat soft ripe yellow fruits fresh. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Unripe fruit very astringent; eat only when fully soft. Antinutrient content is minimal. Be aware that Verify identification before consumption. Safe lookalike species include Similar edible species. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Woodland, savanna, riverine across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Eat soft ripe yellow fruits fresh

Preparation method: Wait for fruit to turn yellow and soften; eat raw
Flavor profile: Sweet, honey-like, persimmon-like when ripe
Edible parts: Fruits

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb.
Lookalike (safe): Similar edible species
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): Verify identification before consumption
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

7/10
Toxicity: Unripe fruit very astringent; eat only when fully soft
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits
Preparation: Wait for fruit to turn yellow and soften; eat raw
Flavor: Sweet, honey-like, persimmon-like when ripe

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 3.0g
Vitamin C: 45.0mg (50%DV)
Vitamin A: 50mcg (5%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 30mcg (25%DV)
Folate (B9): 20mcg (5%DV)
Calcium: 30.0mg (2%DV)
Iron: 1.0mg (5%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Fresh eating, Dried fruit, Preserves Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Eat soft ripe yellow fruits fresh

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Woodland, savanna, riverine
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Sources & References