The firethorn is an evergreen shrub that is often found in our gardens and has strong spines. Since the tree does not lose its leaves in winter, it protects itself from predators with them. In spring the firethorn produces numerous white inflorescences, from which the attractive red-orange fruits develop by autumn.
Is firethorn poisonous?
Firethorn berries are not poisonous and are edible, but raw they taste unpleasantly sour and mealy. Only the seeds contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can have a mildly toxic effect when chewed and are therefore easier to remove.
Do not eat the berries raw
These berry-shaped stone fruits taste unpleasantly sour and floury and are not suitable for eating raw. However, contrary to popular belief, they are not poisonous and are edible. Only the two to five seeds of the nut contain traces of cyanogenic glycosides and have a mildly toxic effect when chewed. All other parts of the plant are non-toxic.
The concentration of toxins in the berries is so low that symptoms of poisoning do not occur even after consuming large quantities. In sensitive people and children, eating the raw fruits can lead to mild gastrointestinal complaints, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
The berries – bright jewelry in the cold season
The berries of the firethorn do not fall off in autumn and remain on the tree throughout the winter (winter growth). They serve as valuable food for many bird species in the cold season and should therefore never be cut off in autumn. Even when pruning in summer, you shouldn't remove everything that has faded, otherwise the attractive shrub will produce few or no berries at all.
Cooked a special treat
The edible firethorn berries can be used to prepare delicious jam, which is a successful change from other varieties thanks to its exotic taste. It is recommended to strain the berries or the prepared fruit spread through a sieve to remove the seeds.
Tips & Tricks
In times of need, the stone fruits were roasted and used as a coffee substitute.