Marula

Sclerocarya birrea — Anacardiaceae

Italiano: Marula

Description

Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Woodland, savanna environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Marula is wild African tree producing plum-sized fruit with juicy tart flesh and a hard kernel.. The edible parts include Fruits, Kernels/nuts. With an edibility rating of 8/10, it ranks as an excellent wild food source. Harvesting is best done during December, February, January and March. Nutritionally, Marula 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 4.0g protein and 3.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Marula offers a Tart, tropical, mango-pineapple flavor profile. Squeeze fruit for juice; crack kernel for nuts. Common culinary applications include Fresh eating, Jams, Liqueurs (Amarula), Oils. Popular preparations include Eat ripe fruit fresh or ferment for traditional beer. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Unripe fruit may irritate throat. 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 across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Eat ripe fruit fresh or ferment for traditional beer

Preparation method: Squeeze fruit for juice; crack kernel for nuts
Flavor profile: Tart, tropical, mango-pineapple
Edible parts: Fruits, Kernels/nuts

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: Jan, Feb, Mar, 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

8/10
Toxicity: Unripe fruit may irritate throat
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits, Kernels/nuts
Preparation: Squeeze fruit for juice; crack kernel for nuts
Flavor: Tart, tropical, mango-pineapple

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 4.0g
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, Jams, Liqueurs (Amarula), Oils Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Eat ripe fruit fresh or ferment for traditional beer

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Woodland, savanna
⚠️
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