Cape Beech
Rapanea melanophloeos — Primulaceae
Italiano: Faggio del Capo
Description
Cape Beech (Rapanea melanophloeos) belongs to the Primulaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Afromontane forest, coastal forest environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Cape Beech is evergreen South African forest tree with small sweet purple-black fruits relished by birds and children.. The edible parts include Fruits. With an edibility rating of 5/10, it ranks as a moderate wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, August, July, June and May. Nutritionally, Cape Beech 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, Cape Beech offers a Sweet, slightly astringent, blueberry-like flavor profile. Pick when dark and soft; eat raw. Common culinary applications include Fresh eating, Snacks. Popular preparations include Eat ripe purple-black fruits fresh. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: None. 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
🍳 Recipe: Eat ripe purple-black fruits fresh
This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.
Edibility
Harvest Calendar
Nutrition (per 100g)
Culinary Uses: Fresh eating, Snacks Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts
Recipes
- Eat ripe purple-black fruits fresh
