American beautyberry

Callicarpa americana

fruit

Clusters of bright purple berries, bland raw, cooked into a jelly tasting of grape and honey.

Origin

Southeastern United States

Where to find it

Along woodland edges and in open woods of the South, from Virginia to Texas; it is planted in gardens for its purple berries.

Season (United States)

September to November · grows in your region

Preparation

Only cooked, as jelly: raw, they are astringent, and in large amounts they upset the stomach.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Pectins · Anthocyanins · Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

Its crushed leaves keep mosquitoes away: in the South, people rubbed them on their skin.