Red Milkwood

Mimusops zeyheri — Sapotaceae

Italiano: Albero del latte rosso

Description

Red Milkwood (Mimusops zeyheri) belongs to the Sapotaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Coastal forest, dune scrub environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Red Milkwood is south African coastal tree with sweet fleshy red fruits and milky latex. Bird and monkey favorite.. 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 December, February, January, November and October. Nutritionally, Red Milkwood 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, Red Milkwood offers a Sweet, caramel-like, like medlar flavor profile. Pick when red and slightly soft; eat fresh. Common culinary applications include Fresh eating, Preserves. Popular preparations include Eat ripe red fruits when soft. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: None significant. 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 Coastal forest, dune scrub across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Eat ripe red fruits when soft

Preparation method: Pick when red and slightly soft; eat fresh
Flavor profile: Sweet, caramel-like, like medlar
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: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb.
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: None significant
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits
Preparation: Pick when red and slightly soft; eat fresh
Flavor: Sweet, caramel-like, like medlar

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 3.0g
Vitamin C: 20.0mg (22%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: Fresh eating, Preserves Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Eat ripe red fruits when soft

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Coastal forest, dune scrub
⚠️
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