Desert Date. Desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca)

Family: Zygophyllaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Balanites aegyptiaca is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste and can be purgative in larger quantities. — The fleshy pulp of both unripe and ripe fruit is edible and can be eaten dried or fresh.; It has a slightly astringent taste and can be purgative in larger quantities.; The fruit is processed into a drink and sweetmeats in Ghana, an alcoholic liquor in Nigeria, a soup ingredient in Sudan.; The ellipsoid fruit is up to 4cm long.

Habitat & North American Range

Found in a variety of habitats, growing best in low-lying, level alluvial sites with deep sandy loam and uninterrupted access to water such as valley floors, riverbanks or the foot of rocky slopes. (Zone 10)