Waterberry

Syzygium cordatum — Myrtaceae

Italiano: Bacche d'acqua

Description

Waterberry (Syzygium cordatum) belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Riverine forest, swamp edges environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Waterberry is large African water-loving tree with edible purple-black aromatic fruits and edible young shoots.. The edible parts include Fruits, Young shoots. 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, Waterberry 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 5.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Waterberry offers a Sweet, aromatic, slightly astringent flavor profile. Pick when dark and slightly soft. Common culinary applications include Fresh eating, Jams, Fermented drinks. Popular preparations include Eat ripe dark purple fruits fresh. 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 Riverine forest, swamp edges across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Eat ripe dark purple fruits fresh

Preparation method: Pick when dark and slightly soft
Flavor profile: Sweet, aromatic, slightly astringent
Edible parts: Fruits, Young shoots

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, Young shoots
Preparation: Pick when dark and slightly soft
Flavor: Sweet, aromatic, slightly astringent

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 5.0g
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, Fermented drinks Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Eat ripe dark purple fruits fresh

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Riverine forest, swamp edges
⚠️
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