Hackberry tree

Celtis australis

fruit

Small black berries with a hard pit and date-sweet skin, nibbled in Provence.

Origin

Mediterranean

Where to find it

Planted on village squares and along roads in southern France, where it shades the pétanque grounds; Provençal children picked its fruits on their way home from school.

Season (United States)

October to December

Preparation

Once black and wrinkled, the berries are eaten raw for their thin pulp; the hard stone is spat out.

Molecules

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

Did you know?

Its flexible wood was used to make pitchforks and whip handles.