Natal Plum
Carissa macrocarpa — Apocynaceae
Italiano: Prugnolo del Natal
Description
Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Coastal bush, dune forest environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Natal Plum is spiny evergreen shrub producing bright red plum-like fruits with milky latex. Popular garden and wild food.. 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 April, December, February, January, March, November and October. Nutritionally, Natal Plum stands out for its Vitamin C (45.0mg, 50% DV), Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV) and Iron (2.0mg, 11% DV). It also provides 2.0g protein and 3.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Natal Plum offers a Sweet-tart, strawberry-raspberry notes flavor profile. Eat raw when bright red and slightly soft. Common culinary applications include Fresh eating, Jams, Jellies, Wine. Popular preparations include Eat ripe red fruits fresh off the bush. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Other parts contain cardiac glycosides — do NOT eat leaves/stems. 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 red fruits fresh off the bush
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, Jams, Jellies, Wine Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts
Recipes
- Eat ripe red fruits fresh off the bush
