Golden Spoon (Byrsonima crassifolia)

Family: Malpighiaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Golden Spoon, Byrsonima crassifolia, is a large shrub or tree that grows up to 10 m with a bole diameter of 15 to 25 cm. It is slow-growing, drought-tolerant, and deciduous. It is cultivated in Northern South America. The bark is rich in tannins and is used as a treatment for gastrointestinal problems, pulmonary concerns, snakebites, fevers, leucorrhoea, and to promote menstruation.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour from insipid to sweet, acid or cheese-like. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; Thin-skinned and peculiarly odorous, with a white, juicy, oily pulp that varies in flavour from insipid to sweet, acid or cheese-like.; A very popular fruit, it is usually eaten out of hand, and is also cooked as a dessert, used in jams, soups, sherbets etc.; A refreshing drink, known as 'chicha', is obtained from the fermented fruits - it is very much relished by most Panamanians.

Habitat & North American Range

Open pine forests and grassy savannahs, sometimes in extensive stands. Lowland moist or dry thickets and woodland. (Zone 9)