Difference between revisions of "Shepherdia"
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | Buffaloberry is a deciduous thorny, thicket-forming shrub growing up to 6 m tall. The shrub is a member of the olive family native to Western North America and is found on many Indian reservations, often where little else grows well. The bright red fruit has a tart flavor, and has historically been used as a source of nutrients for many Native Americans. The sugar and acidity of the fruit make it desirable as a fresh or dried product. In addition to its potential health benefits, lycopenoate may also be used as a natural food colorant. Recently the buffaloberry has drawn attention from several commercial wine producers. | + | Buffaloberry is a deciduous thorny, thicket-forming shrub growing up to 6 m tall. The shrub is a member of the olive family native to Western North America and is found on many Indian reservations, often where little else grows well. The bright red fruit has a tart flavor, and has historically been used as a source of nutrients for many Native Americans. The sugar and acidity of the fruit make it desirable as a fresh or dried product. In addition to its potential health benefits, lycopenoate may also be used as a natural food colorant. Recently the buffaloberry has drawn attention from several commercial wine producers. Of the three varieties of buffaloberries the Russet buffaloberry had the most indigenous uses, the silver buffaloberry was used less frequently, and the roundleaf buffaloberry appears to have had only a few medicinal uses according to Moerman’s (1998: 528-530) thorough investigation. The most popular food use of the russet buffaloberry was in the production of “Indian ice cream.” Many Native American tribes in the north made this frothy dessert by beating hot water, buffaloberries, and sugar together by hand in a basket or other grease-free container. Buffaloberries were also used to make sweetened beverages (like soopolallie), preserves, porridge, sauces and relishes, pudding, candy, and dried cakes saved for winter food. The berries were also commonly eaten raw, but only after the first frost has naturally sweetened them, and even then in moderation (Moerman 1998: 528-529). |
==Special Precautions of Shepherdia== | ==Special Precautions of Shepherdia== | ||
| + | Eating too many buffaloberries in any form causes diarrhea (Marles et al. 2000: 169) and may be fatal. | ||
==Benefits and uses of Shepherdia are== | ==Benefits and uses of Shepherdia are== | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
Revision as of 04:41, 11 January 2014
Buffaloberry is a deciduous thorny, thicket-forming shrub growing up to 6 m tall. The shrub is a member of the olive family native to Western North America and is found on many Indian reservations, often where little else grows well. The bright red fruit has a tart flavor, and has historically been used as a source of nutrients for many Native Americans. The sugar and acidity of the fruit make it desirable as a fresh or dried product. In addition to its potential health benefits, lycopenoate may also be used as a natural food colorant. Recently the buffaloberry has drawn attention from several commercial wine producers. Of the three varieties of buffaloberries the Russet buffaloberry had the most indigenous uses, the silver buffaloberry was used less frequently, and the roundleaf buffaloberry appears to have had only a few medicinal uses according to Moerman’s (1998: 528-530) thorough investigation. The most popular food use of the russet buffaloberry was in the production of “Indian ice cream.” Many Native American tribes in the north made this frothy dessert by beating hot water, buffaloberries, and sugar together by hand in a basket or other grease-free container. Buffaloberries were also used to make sweetened beverages (like soopolallie), preserves, porridge, sauces and relishes, pudding, candy, and dried cakes saved for winter food. The berries were also commonly eaten raw, but only after the first frost has naturally sweetened them, and even then in moderation (Moerman 1998: 528-529).
Special Precautions of Shepherdia
Eating too many buffaloberries in any form causes diarrhea (Marles et al. 2000: 169) and may be fatal.
