Toyon (Christmas berry)

Photinia arbutifolia

fruit

Small bitter, astringent red berries, roasted, boiled or dried, as jelly or flour by California's Native peoples.

Origin

California and Baja California

Where to find it

In the chaparral and canyons of California, from the Sierra to the coast.

Season (United States)

November to January

Preparation

Always cooked: raw, the berries, and especially their seeds, release a little cyanide.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Pectins · Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

Its red winter berries earn it the name “California holly”; Hollywood is said to owe it its name.