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Sweets
- Johns Hopkins University Press
- Chapter
- Additional Information
111 obvious sources of sweets are the numerous native berries and other fruits in the flora of North America. Because most of these are so well known, we have highlighted two that are seldom included in discussions of native sweets. One of the best known and most widely used of all native sweeteners is maple syrup. We do not cover syrup production in this book. Those interested can consult several websites, including www.umext.maine.edu/ onlinepubs/pdfpubs/7036.pdf. indian strawberry indian strawberry (Duchesnea indica) is a small, herbaceous perennial with leaves and fruit similar to those of a true strawberry (species of Fragaria), its relative in the rose family, or Rosaceae. Other common names of Indian Strawberry include Mock Strawberry and False Strawberry. It can easily be distinguished from true strawberries by its yellow flowers; all true strawberries have white or slightly pink flowers. The flowers of Indian Strawberry appear from April until frost. The leaves are light green and have three parts. Native to eastern and southern Asia, it was introduced as an ornamental and has naturalized in eastern North America. Indian Strawberry prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial sun. This low-growing plant sends out runners, or stolons. New plants can develop at each node of the stolon. There are few references to the edibility of Indian Strawberry, which is surprising because the fruits are tasty. The round ½-inch fruit of Duchesnea is a small red berry-like structure with a juicy, slightly sweet taste and a slightly gritty texture; it’s entirely covered with small red seeds (technically achenes). These fruits are a source of sugar, protein, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Sweets Indian Strawberry (Duchesnea indica): the three-part leaves are very similar to those of true strawberry. Indian Strawberry fruits differ from those of true strawberries in that each individual seed has a fleshy covering. the quick guide to wild edible plants 112 [52.54.103.76] Project MUSE (2024-03-28 10:49 GMT) 113 Sweets The fruits of Indian Strawberry are easy to find and collect. Usually, there are many plants growing together, with enough red fruits to prepare a delightful jam. In a snap you have a cup or more of the red fruits! Collecting You will need to look along the edge of the forest, usually near a field, to find several plants growing in close proximity. Indian Strawberry is also a common lawn weed, especially in slightly damp soil. recipe Indian Strawberry Jam 1 cup Indian Strawberries 2 Tbsp. sugar¼ cup water Pour all of the fruits of the Indian Strawberry into a large bowl and rinse to make sure there are no insects or dirt. Next, mash the fruits thoroughly. Transfer the mashed fruit to a small bowl and stir in ¼ cup water and 2 Tbsp. sugar. Let the mixture sit overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning you will have fresh Indian Strawberry jam for your toast! the quick guide to wild edible plants 114 pawpaw pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is native to North America and is in a family of plants (Annonaceae) that includes other tropical edible plants such as Custard Apple (Asimina reticulata), Soursop (Asimina muricata), and Cherimoya (Annona cherimola). Several members of this family have bark, leaves, and roots used in folk medicines. Pharmaceutical research has found antifungal, bacteriostatic, and especially cytostatic capability of some chemical constituents of the leaves and bark. A large number of chemical compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and acetogenins, have been extracted from the seeds and other parts of these plants. Pawpaw is a deciduous tree that grows along streams and rivers in rich, moist alluvial soils in hardwood forests. It occurs in twenty-five states in the eastern United States ranging from northern Florida to southern Ontario (Canada) and as far west as eastern Nebraska. It grows in thickets because it spreads by underground stems. The red, succulent flowers emerge before the leaves in mid-spring; the blossoms occur singly on the previous year’s wood and are up to 2 inches in diameter. Pollination is by flies and beetles, which is suggested by the appearance of the flower; it has dark, meat-colored petals and a fetid smell. Pawpaw fruits are oblong to cylindrical berries that are typically ½ to 5½ inches long and ½ to 4 inches wide. Each fruit can weigh ¼ to 4 pounds. Fruits may be borne singly or in clusters that resemble the “hands” of the banana stalk. The shelf life of a tree-ripened...