African Elemi

Canarium schweinfurthii — Burseraceae

Italiano: Elemi africana

Description

African Elemi (Canarium schweinfurthii) belongs to the Burseraceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Rainforest environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, African Elemi is large African rainforest tree producing edible oily fruits and resin (elemi) used as food and incense.. The edible parts include Fruits, Resin. With an edibility rating of 6/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during August, December, November, October and September. Nutritionally, African Elemi stands out for its Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV), Vitamin C (20.0mg, 22% 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 Elemi offers a Oily, slightly resinous, nutty flavor profile. Peel thin skin; eat oily flesh around seed. Common culinary applications include Fruit snacks, Cooking oil, Spice. Popular preparations include Eat ripe black fruits; collect excess resin for incense. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Excessive resin consumption can irritate stomach. 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 Rainforest across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Eat ripe black fruits; collect excess resin for incense

Preparation method: Peel thin skin; eat oily flesh around seed
Flavor profile: Oily, slightly resinous, nutty
Edible parts: Fruits, Resin

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: Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.
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

6/10
Toxicity: Excessive resin consumption can irritate stomach
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits, Resin
Preparation: Peel thin skin; eat oily flesh around seed
Flavor: Oily, slightly resinous, nutty

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 3.0g
Vitamin C: 20.0mg (22%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: Fruit snacks, Cooking oil, Spice Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Eat ripe black fruits; collect excess resin for incense

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Rainforest
⚠️
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