Naranjilla

Solanum quitoense — Solanaceae

Italiano: Naranjilla / Lulo

Description

Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense) belongs to the Solanaceae family and is native to SouthAmerica. It thrives in Andean cloud forest, subtropical highlands, 1200-2300m environments across regions including SouthAmerica. Botanically, Naranjilla is andean shrub producing fuzzy orange tomato-like fruits with a unique citrus-pineapple flavor. Major crop in Ecuador and Colombia.. The edible parts include Fruits. With an edibility rating of 6/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, August, July, June and May. Nutritionally, Naranjilla 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, Naranjilla offers a Citrus-pineapple-tomato, tart, refreshing, unique flavor profile. Peel fuzzy skin; blend pulp with water and sugar; strain; serve over ice. Common culinary applications include Juice, Sauces, Desserts, Ice cream. Popular preparations include Peel; blend with water, sugar, ice; drink as lulada. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Fuzzy skin is usually peeled; raw fruit is tart; sweeten for juice. 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 Andean cloud forest, subtropical highlands, 1200-2300m across SouthAmerica.

🍳 Recipe: Peel; blend with water, sugar, ice; drink as lulada

Preparation method: Peel fuzzy skin; blend pulp with water and sugar; strain; serve over ice
Flavor profile: Citrus-pineapple-tomato, tart, refreshing, unique
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: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug.
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: Fuzzy skin is usually peeled; raw fruit is tart; sweeten for juice
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits
Preparation: Peel fuzzy skin; blend pulp with water and sugar; strain; serve over ice
Flavor: Citrus-pineapple-tomato, tart, refreshing, unique

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: 60.0mg (4%DV)
Iron: 1.0mg (5%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Juice, Sauces, Desserts, Ice cream Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Peel; blend with water, sugar, ice; drink as lulada

Where It Grows

Continent: SouthAmerica
Regions: SouthAmerica
Habitat: Andean cloud forest, subtropical highlands, 1200-2300m
⚠️
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