Coprosma

Coprosma repens, C. robusta

fruit

Small orange or red berries, sweet and juicy, eaten raw by the Māori; the roasted seeds make a coffee-like drink.

Origin

New Zealand

Where to find it

In hedges and gardens in New Zealand, and on the coasts, where it grows in the wind.

Season (United States)

January to April

Preparation

The berries are eaten raw, whole; for the drink, the seeds are roasted in a pan, ground and brewed like coffee.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Pectins · Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

It is a cousin of the coffee plant: its roasted seeds almost taste like it.