Star Apple

Chrysophyllum albidum — Sapotaceae

Italiano: Mela stellata africana

Description

Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) belongs to the Sapotaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Rainforest, forest-savanna transition environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Star Apple is west and Central African tree with sweet milky purple fruits. Star-shaped core pattern when cut.. 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 December, February, January and March. Nutritionally, Star Apple 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, Star Apple offers a Sweet, milky, grape-like flavor profile. Peel; slice to reveal star pattern; eat flesh. Common culinary applications include Fresh eating, Juice. Popular preparations include Peel skin and eat sweet flesh fresh. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Latex in skin; peel before eating. 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 Rainforest, forest-savanna transition across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Peel skin and eat sweet flesh fresh

Preparation method: Peel; slice to reveal star pattern; eat flesh
Flavor profile: Sweet, milky, grape-like
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: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar.
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

7/10
Toxicity: Latex in skin; peel before eating
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits
Preparation: Peel; slice to reveal star pattern; eat flesh
Flavor: Sweet, milky, grape-like

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, Juice Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Peel skin and eat sweet flesh fresh

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Rainforest, forest-savanna transition
⚠️
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