Bitter Orange (Poncirus trifoliata)

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

An attractive deciduous shrub growing up to six feet tall, this is the only fruit-bearing shrub of the orange family that is genuinely hardy in Britain. The species is unusual among citrus for having deciduous, compound leaves and pubescent (downy) fruit. The fruit, unfortunately, is inedible raw, though it can be used in conserves etc.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, but it can be used to make a marmalade. — A bitter and acrid flavour, but it can be used to make a marmalade.; The fruit is also used to make a refreshing drink.; The freshly picked fruit yields little juice but if stored for 2 weeks it will yield about 20% juice, which is rich in vitamin C.; Yields of up to 14 kilos of fruit per plant have been achieved in America.

Habitat & North American Range

Hedgerows. Woods in mountains and hills in Korea. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)