September 2010
Unusual Fall Edibles by William McClenathan
We are very fortunate during fall here in the North- west. The bountiful harvest of berries, fruits and vegetables almost rivals the harvests of spring.
This month, however, instead of talking to you about our region’s fall edible staples (i.e. apples, pears, broccoli, etc), I’m going to tell you about my very favorite, very unique and very scrump- tious edibles. Although these beauties may be Persimmon Fruit more challenging to procure, they are well worth the search and once introduced to your garden it will be an instant love affair. These plants will not only give you the glorious gift of fantastic food long after other crops have slowed or stopped producing completely, but it will provide your orchards and gardens with some incredible fall foliage.
Persimmons Diospyros These gems have been growing in popularity in America for the past several years now. This wonderful tree has rich, glossy green leaves that remind me of tropical foli- age along with the added bonus of fantastic fall color! Once the leaves drop, you will be left with these incredible orange fruits that act like a harbinger for fall. This deep orange signals that the persimmon’s fruits are ripe and ready for the picking. And, what a treat they are! The fruit I harvest from my tree are sugary sweet, juicy and crunchy. Can you ask for a better combination? Oh, wait! There’s more: they are rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants to boot!
The trees can reach 20 to 25 feet tall so give them enough space to grow. You can find many selections at most garden centers. However, I highly suggest being prepared before purchasing by researching the Diospyros. There are many different varieties of this tree, such as: astringent persimmons, flat ones, egg-shaped, and more… even a chocolate persimmon, so you will want to make sure you are getting the right one for you.
Goji Lycium babarum A newer selection is the Goji, or wolfberry. It’s a ranging shrub, almost verging on being considered a vine, which takes to training easily. The Goji shrub has been grown in China for over 2000 years, and has been used by the Chinese primarily for medicinal purposes. In modern day America, its berries are mainly used as food from a gar- September 2010
Unusual Fall Edibles...continued
dening standpoint. The berries I have harvested are semi-sweet and a powerhouse of all the best things for the human body.
A different part of this shrub can be taken each season. In the spring you take its leaves, which are considered the longevity of life. In autumn, you harvest its fruits. These are known as Gou Qi Zi, or Wolfberry. The bark of the roots is taken in winter and is considered the skin and bones of the earth, or the “staff of the Almighty.” By taking these different parts during their respec- tive seasons it is said to promote a life that is well balanced both on earth and in heaven.
Whichever way you choose to use it, be it for food or for garden ornament, it is a wonderful and underused plant. Although sometimes tricky to find, I have seen it for sale at Portland Nursery and One Green World.
Medlar Mespilus germanica This last pick is one of my absolute favorites. I had never before heard of this small tree, or rather, awkward shrub, at the time I purchased it. Being in the rose family, it has large, apple-blossom type blooms in the spring. The fruit is small and round, and not much bigger than a golf ball. As I discovered, the real trick to growing this fruit is in allowing it to remain on the plant until it ‘rots.’ The technical term for this is “bletting.” Once this occurs, and the fruit is soft and squishy, it’s prime for picking. While some people are not fans of the taste of the fruit, I find it to be very tasty and very similar to applesauce.
The Medlar’s fruit was maligned by no less a great sage than William Shakespeare in both Romeo and Juliet and Timon of Athens. Shakespeare’s opinion notwithstanding, I still think it is a great fruit. I love how I can enjoy the flavor of applesauce without actually having to make it. Plus, I swear there is a hint of cinnamon in mine as well!
The Medlar was once widely cultivated throughout Tudor England. These days, it has been difficult to obtain a Medlar outside of a private garden. However, I am thrilled to be able to tell you that One Green World does, in fact, carry it and has three varieties!
This year, try something outside of your normal comfort zone. All of these plants are hardy in the Portland area and will give you fantastic and unusual fall edibles, as well as beautiful garden plants. This fall’s edible picks are not only food for the body, but food for the soul.