Sourplum

Ximenia caffra — Olacaceae

Italiano: Prugna acida

Description

Sourplum (Ximenia caffra) belongs to the Olacaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Woodland, bushveld, riverine environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Sourplum is small tree or shrub with sour yellow-orange fruits and oily seeds. Important indigenous fruit in southern Africa.. The edible parts include Fruits, Seeds. 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, Sourplum 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, Sourplum offers a Sour, acidic, refreshing when ripe flavor profile. Peel and pit; cook with sugar to reduce sourness. Common culinary applications include Fresh eating, Jams, Seed oil. Popular preparations include Add sugar and boil for a tart sauce. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Seeds contain amygdalin compounds — do not eat in excess. 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, bushveld, riverine across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Add sugar and boil for a tart sauce

Preparation method: Peel and pit; cook with sugar to reduce sourness
Flavor profile: Sour, acidic, refreshing when ripe
Edible parts: Fruits, Seeds

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: Seeds contain amygdalin compounds — do not eat in excess
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits, Seeds
Preparation: Peel and pit; cook with sugar to reduce sourness
Flavor: Sour, acidic, refreshing when ripe

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: 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, Seed oil Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Add sugar and boil for a tart sauce

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Woodland, bushveld, riverine
⚠️
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