Ruby Saltbush As Winter Fruit ◕❧ლ( ͠° ͟ل͜ ͡°)
Channel: zuditaka
Date: 29/05/2015

These bright red Ruby Saltbush berries grow wild here, on the estate. And now I notice they are an excellent source of fresh fruit during the cold winter weather, as well. I thought they did, indeed, look like beautiful red jewels or sparkling rubies. The edible fruits and leaves of this plant, Ruby Saltbush (Enchylaena tomentosa), were, and still are, eaten by Australia's First People. 

The red berries are juicy, sweet and pleasant eaten raw, with a slight salty taste. These berries can also be soaked in water to make a sweet beverage (cordial or wine); sorbet; or dried and reconstituted later. A red dye can be made from the berries. 

The young tender leaves are edible, and best boiled to reduce their saltiness. Use them in recipes as you would serve any other green vegetable. I have eaten the leaves raw. They certainly do taste like "salt"(bush)! No need to add extra salt when boiling these vegetable greens. Salty enough, I find.

Warning:
Never eat any wild plant without first checking with a local expert.

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