Surli nut (Mesua ferrea)

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

An attractive, neat, dense, conical shaped evergreen tree. Considered sacred in India with fragrant blooms picked for offerings. Often planted near temples.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The seeds, known as 'surli nuts' are edible. They need to be well-cooked. They contain up to 76% oil. The fruit is wrinkled when ripe, resembling a chestnut (Castanea spp) in size, shape and taste. Young leaves - raw. — The seeds, known as 'surli nuts' are edible.; They need to be well-cooked.; They contain up to 76% oil.; The fruit is wrinkled when ripe, resembling a chestnut (Castanea spp) in size, shape and taste.

Habitat & North American Range

Canopy tree in lowland evergreen forest on level or undulating land, usually along streams but also on ridges with shallow soils, sea-level up to 500 metres. Also an understorey tree in montane evergreen or semi-evergreen forest. (Zone 10)