Calafate

Berberis microphylla — Berberidaceae

Italiano: Calafate

Description

Calafate (Berberis microphylla) belongs to the Berberidaceae family and is native to SouthAmerica. It thrives in Patagonian steppe, Andean foothills environments across regions including SouthAmerica. Botanically, Calafate is spiny Patagonian shrub with small dark blue-purple edible berries. According to legend, whoever eats it must return to Patagonia.. 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 and March. Nutritionally, Calafate 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, Calafate offers a Tart, blueberry-like, slightly astringent flavor profile. Pick ripe dark berries; cook with sugar. Common culinary applications include Jams, Pies, Liqueurs, Syrups. Popular preparations include Cook berries with sugar for jam or bake in tart. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Seeds contain some berberine; do not eat in extreme excess. 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 Patagonian steppe, Andean foothills across SouthAmerica.

🍳 Recipe: Cook berries with sugar for jam or bake in tart

Preparation method: Pick ripe dark berries; cook with sugar
Flavor profile: Tart, blueberry-like, slightly astringent
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: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar.
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: Seeds contain some berberine; do not eat in extreme excess
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits
Preparation: Pick ripe dark berries; cook with sugar
Flavor: Tart, blueberry-like, slightly astringent

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: Jams, Pies, Liqueurs, Syrups Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Cook berries with sugar for jam or bake in tart

Where It Grows

Continent: SouthAmerica
Regions: SouthAmerica
Habitat: Patagonian steppe, Andean foothills
⚠️
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