Elaeagnus umbellata - Thunb.
Autumn Olive
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Elaeagnus umbellata - Thunb..
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Full sun
Usage properties
Fruit, Seed
Hedge, Biomass production, Companion plant
Description
Edible applications: The fruits can be eaten raw or cooked. They are juicy and pleasantly sour in taste, enjoyable to eat as is, and also suitable for jams and preserves. The fruits must be fully ripe before they can be consumed raw; if they are even slightly unripe, they will be quite astringent. The fruits contain about 8.3% sugars, 4.5% proteins, 1% ash, and approximately 12 mg of vitamin C per 100 g. In the wild, mature shrubs produce about 650 g of fruit in 2 - 3 harvests. The harvested fruit remains good at room temperature for about 15 days. The fruits are about 8 mm in diameter and contain a single large pit. The seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. They can be consumed along with the fruit, although the seed coat is quite fibrous.