While many Iowans have undoubtedly seen the yellow-green, grapefruit-sized fruit at farmers markets, supermarkets, garden centers, and other locations, few individuals know much about these rather unusual fruits. Questions abound. What are they? Where do they come from? Are they good for anything?
The yellow-green fruit are commonly called “hedge apples.” They are produced by the Osage-orange (Maclura pomifera). Other common plant names include hedge apple, bodark, bois darc, and bowwood.
The Osage-orange is a small- to medium-sized tree. It commonly grows 30 to 40 feet tall, occasionally as tall as 50 to 60 feet. It typically has a short trunk and a rounded or irregular crown. The leaves of the Osage-orange are a shiny medium to dark green. They turn yellow in the fall. The twigs are buff to orange-brown and are armed with 1/2-inch long spines. The stems exude a milky sap when cut.
The Osage-orange is dioecious. Male and female flowers are produced on separate trees. The small, green flowers appear in May or June. The female trees produce 3- to 5- inch-diameter fruit which ripen in September or October and fall to the ground. The “hedge apple” is an aggregate fruit composed of numerous one-seeded druplets. The Osage-orange is a member of the Mulberry or Moraceae Family. Other cultivated members of this family include the mulberry and fig.
Hey there, folks! Ever stumbled across a weird, green, bumpy fruit that looks like it dropped straight outta some alien planet? If you’re wondering, “Can you eat a horse apple?” then you’ve come to the right spot Spoiler alert Nah, you probably shouldn’t munch on the flesh of these oddballs, also known as Osage oranges or hedge apples They’re bitter as heck and might mess with your stomach. But wait—there’s a lil’ twist with the seeds, and a whole lotta other cool stuff about these fruits worth knowin’. So, grab a coffee, and let’s dive deep into the wild world of horse apples with me!
What Even Is a Horse Apple? Let’s Break It Down
First things first, what the heck are we talkin’ about here? If you ain’t seen one, picture a big, round fruit, about 3 to 6 inches across, with a knobby, brain-like surface. It’s usually a bright yellowish-green when ripe, and it’s got this funky, citrusy smell that might trick ya into thinkin’ it’s tasty. Spoiler it ain’t These fruits come from the Osage orange tree, a tough, thorny plant native to parts of North America like Oklahoma and Texas, though it’s spread far and wide now.
Why call it a “horse apple,” you ask? Well, the name’s kinda misleading. Some folks thought horses chowed down on ‘em back in the day, but truth is, even horses ain’t too keen on ‘em unless they’re starvin’. Another theory I’ve come across is that the name ties to the fruit’s big, round shape or maybe how the tree’s wood was used around livestock areas. Whatever the reason, it’s stuck, along with other quirky names like hedge apple, monkey balls, and Bois d’Arc. Weird, right?
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes a horse apple stand out:
- Look: Greenish-yellow, bumpy as a bad road, and hefty.
- Feel: Tough, rubbery skin with a sticky, milky sap inside.
- Smell: Kinda citrusy, but don’t let that fool ya.
- Where: Grows on female Osage orange trees, mostly in the fall.
So, Can You Eat a Horse Apple? The Straight-Up Answer
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Can you eat a horse apple? Technically, yeah, you could eat parts of it, but should you? Nah, not really. The fleshy part of this fruit is straight-up nasty—bitter, sour, and astringent. It’s like bitin’ into a lemon that’s gone wrong, real wrong. Worse, eatin’ a bunch of it might leave ya with a bellyache, nausea, or worse. I ain’t kiddin’ when I say it’s unpalatable; most folks spit it out faster than you can say “yuck.”
But here’s the kicker—there’s a lil’ somethin’ about the seeds. Inside each horse apple you’ve got hundreds of small light brown seeds, and some folks reckon these are edible if you prep ‘em right. More on that in a sec, ‘cause we gotta be careful there too. For now, just know the main fruit flesh ain’t your friend. It ain’t outright poisonous, mind ya, but it’s not food neither. Let’s just say it won’t be showin’ up on any fancy dinner menus anytime soon.
Why Ain’t Horse Apples Good to Eat? Diggin’ Deeper
Now, why exactly are horse apples such a no-go for grub? I’ve poked around this topic a fair bit, and it comes down to a few things that make your taste buds and tummy wanna run for the hills. Let’s break it down real simple:
- Taste Like Garbage: The flesh is bitter and harsh. It’s not just “meh,” it’s “oh heck no.” Even animals like deer or squirrels only nibble on ‘em when they got no other choice.
- Tough Texture: It’s rubbery and hard to chew. Ain’t no juicy sweetness here, just a whole lotta nope.
- Stomach Trouble: Eatin’ the raw fruit can upset your gut big time. Think nausea, maybe vomiting, or a rough day in the bathroom. Not worth it, fam.
- Sticky Sap: That milky juice inside? It’s irritatin’ to some folks’ skin, and it adds to the gross factor when you try to eat it.
I remember once, out of pure dumb curiosity, I cracked one open thinkin’ I’d be some kinda forager hero. Man, that was a mistake. One tiny bite and I was done—spat it out quicker than a bad date. If you’re thinkin’ of tryin’ it, take my word and save yourself the regret.
But Wait—What About Them Seeds? Can We Eat Those?
Okay, here’s where things get a tad more interestin’. While the flesh of a horse apple is a hard pass, some old-timers and adventurous eaters say the seeds inside might be okay to eat—if you do it right. There’s like 200 to 300 seeds in each fruit, and they got a sorta nutty flavor when prepped proper. But hold your horses (pun intended), ‘cause it ain’t as simple as poppin’ ‘em in your mouth.
Here’s how ya might go about it, if you’re feelin’ brave:
- Crack It Open: Slice that horse apple in half. Watch out for the sticky sap—it’s a mess and might irritate your skin, so maybe wear gloves.
- Scoop the Seeds: Dig out them little brown seeds. It’s tedious as heck; I’ve heard it can take an hour just for half a fruit.
- Clean ‘Em Up: Rinse off any gunk or pulp stickin’ to ‘em. You don’t want no extra bitterness.
- Dry ‘Em Out: Let the seeds dry completely. Wet seeds ain’t gonna roast nice.
- Roast or Bake: Toss ‘em in a skillet or oven on low heat till they’re lightly browned. This step’s key—it gets rid of any weird compounds and brings out a nutty taste.
- Taste Test: Try just a couple first. Some folks say they taste like pine cones (weird, I know), but others like the crunch as a snack or salad topper.
Now, a big ol’ warning here: even with seeds, start small. Not everyone’s stomach agrees with ‘em, and there ain’t a ton of science sayin’ they’re 100% safe in big amounts. I’d say chat with someone who knows their stuff—like a food expert or doc—before makin’ a meal outta these. Me? I’d probably stick to peanuts, but if you try it, lemme know how it goes!
What If You’re Still Curious? Any Other Ways to “Eat” Horse Apples?
Alright, let’s say you’re still itchin’ to use horse apples in the kitchen somehow. I’ve heard whispers of folks gettin’ creative, though I gotta admit, it’s a stretch. Some cultures or old recipes mighta used parts of the Osage orange tree—like bark or roots—for medicinal stuff, not really food. And there’s talk of turnin’ the fruit into weird jams or mixin’ it into dishes for a tangy twist, claimin’ it’s got vitamin C and fiber. But honestly? I ain’t seen no solid proof that’s a good idea, and the taste would prob’ly ruin your dish.
If you’re dead set on experimentin’, here’s a wild thought:
- Infuse It: Maybe steep tiny bits of the fruit (not much!) in a jam or syrup to see if that citrus vibe comes through without the nasty.
- Mix Sparingly: Slice super thin pieces into a salad for a funky flair, but again, tiny amounts and expect bitter.
Truth be told, I wouldn’t bet on these workin’ out tasty. We’re better off usin’ horse apples for stuff that don’t involve eatin’. Speakin’ of which…
What Else Can Ya Do with Horse Apples? Tons of Cool Uses!
Since eatin’ horse apples ain’t the best plan, let’s chat about what they are good for. Trust me, these funky fruits and their trees got a lotta tricks up their sleeves. Back in the day, and even now, they’ve been used for all sorts of practical and neat stuff. Check this out:
Decorative Goodies
Horse apples look so darn weird that they make awesome decor. I’ve seen ‘em in fall centerpieces, just sittin’ pretty on a table with some leaves and candles. They’re like nature’s oddball art—green, bumpy, and totally eye-catchin’. Toss a few in a bowl, and you’ve got yourself a convo starter at any gatherin’.
Natural Fences and Hedgerows
Ever heard of a livin’ fence? That’s where the name “hedge apple” comes from. Way back, like in the 1800s, farmers planted Osage orange trees in tight rows ‘cause their thorny branches made a barrier no cow or critter could bust through. It was cheaper than wire back then, and you can still spot old hedgerows in some rural spots. Pretty badass, if ya ask me.
Wood That’s Tough as Nails
The wood from these trees? It’s some of the strongest stuff around. Native American tribes, especially the Osage folks, used it to craft bows for huntin’ and fightin’. Them bows were legendary—flexible yet tough. Later on, settlers used the wood for wagon wheels, fence posts, even mine supports. It don’t rot easy, so it lasts forever.
Keepin’ Bugs Away (Maybe?)
Now, this one’s a bit of a gamble. Lotsa folks swear by placin’ horse apples around their homes to scare off spiders, roaches, and other creepy-crawlies. They think the fruit’s oils or smell does the trick. Me, I’ve tried it, and I ain’t sure it worked—bugs still showed up like uninvited guests. Science backs me up here; there ain’t solid proof it’s effective. But hey, if it’s an old family trick, why not give it a whirl? Can’t hurt, right?
Helpin’ the Land
Osage orange trees got deep roots that hold soil in place, makin’ ‘em great for stoppin’ erosion. If you got a hilly spot where dirt keeps slidin’ away, plantin’ one of these could be a game-changer. They’re tough cookies too, survivin’ drought and crappy soil like champs.
Here’s a quick table to sum up these uses, ‘cause I know y’all like things neat:
| Use | What’s It About? | How Cool Is It? |
|---|---|---|
| Decorative Pieces | Use as fall decor or quirky art in your home. | Super cool for uniqueness! |
| Natural Fences | Thorny trees make barriers for livestock. | Historically awesome! |
| Strong Wood | Used for bows, tools, posts—super durable. | Tough as heck! |
| Insect Repellent (Maybe) | Might deter bugs, but don’t bet on it. | Worth a shot, I guess? |
| Erosion Control | Roots stabilize soil on slopes. | Practical and eco-friendly! |
Watch Out—Some Risks to Know About
Before ya go messin’ with horse apples, lemme give ya a heads-up on a few things. They ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. Here’s what to watch for:
- Skin Irritation: That milky sap I mentioned? It can mess with your skin, makin’ it itchy or red. I learned that the hard way—wear gloves if you’re handlin’ ‘em.
- Allergies: Rare, but some folks might react bad to the fruit or tree, especially if you’re allergic to stuff like figs. If ya start itchin’ or can’t breathe right, get help quick.
- Thorns Galore: The trees got sharp thorns that’ll poke ya good if you ain’t careful. Trust me, it smarts.
- Spreadin’ Like Wildfire: In some places, these trees can take over, pushin’ out other plants. Keep an eye if you’re plantin’ ‘em—they’re a bit invasive.
Why Are We So Curious About Eatin’ Horse Apples Anyway?
I reckon it’s ‘cause they look so dang strange. When you see somethin’ that funky in nature, your brain goes, “Is this food? Can I try it?” It’s like our inner caveman kickin’ in. Plus, with all the names—horse apple, hedge apple, monkey ball—it’s like a mystery waitin’ to be solved. I’ve been there, starin’ at one in my hand, wonderin’ if I’m missin’ out on some secret snack. Spoiler: you ain’t. But that curiosity? It’s what makes us human, don’t ya think?
And hey, there’s history here too. Way back, prehistoric critters apparently ate these things durin’ the Ice Age. Maybe that’s why they’re still around, even if us modern folks ain’t so keen. Nature’s got its own weird plans, and horse apples are proof of that.
Where Can Ya Find Horse Apples to Check Out?
If you’re itchin’ to see or mess with a horse apple yourself, they ain’t too hard to track down in the right spots. They grow wild in a lotta places across the U.S., especially in the Midwest and South. Look for Osage orange trees in old fields, along fences, or in wooded areas. Fall’s the time they drop, so keep your eyes peeled around September or October. I’ve spotted ‘em on hikes before, just layin’ on the ground lookin’ all alien-like.
If you ain’t near their growin’ zone, some farmers’ markets or craft stores might have ‘em for decor. Just don’t expect to find ‘em in the produce aisle—no grocery store’s stockin’ these bad boys for eatin’!
Wrappin’ It Up—Should You Eat a Horse Apple or Nah?
So, after all this chit-chat, where do we land on “can you eat a horse apple?” Bottom line: the flesh is a big fat no unless you enjoy sufferin’. It’s bitter, tough, and might make ya sick. The seeds, though? They could be a cautious maybe if you roast ‘em right and don’t overdo it. But honestly, I’d say skip the snackin’ and use horse apples for somethin’ else—like jazzin’ up your fall decor or just admirin’ their weirdness from afar.
We’ve covered a ton, from what these fruits are to their history, uses, and risks. Horse apples got a lotta value outside the kitchen, with their tough wood, erosion-fightin’ roots, and quirky looks. They’re a reminder that not everything in nature’s gotta be food to be fascinatin’. Next time you spot one, pick it up, give it a sniff, and just appreciate the oddball charm. And if you’re still tempted to take a bite, well, don’t say I didn’t warn ya!
Got any wild stories about horse apples or tried the seeds yourself? Drop a comment—I’m all ears for your crazy tales! Let’s keep this convo rollin’ and share the weirdness of nature together.
Native Habitat and Current Distribution
The Osage-orange is native to a small area in eastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, and southwestern Arkansas. This region was also the home of the Osage Indians, hence the common name of Osage-orange. White settlers moving into the region found that the Osage-orange possessed several admirable qualities. It is a tough and durable tree, transplants easily, and tolerates poor soils, extreme heat, and strong winds. It also has no serious insect or disease problems. During the mid-nineteenth century, it was widely planted by midwest farmers, including those in southern Iowa, as a living fence. When pruned into a hedge, it provided an impenetrable barrier to livestock. The widespread planting of Osage-orange stopped with the introduction of barbed wire. Many of the original hedges have since been destroyed or died. However, some of the original trees can still be found in fence rows in southern Iowa. Trees have also become naturalized in pastures and ravines in southern areas of the state.
Uses of the Osage-Orange Tree
In the landscape, the fruit of Osage orange can be a nuisance. (3)
The wood of the Osage-orange is golden yellow or bright orange when first cut but turns brown on exposure. The wood is extremely hard, heavy, tough, and durable. It also shrinks or swells very little compared to the wood of other trees. The wood is used for fence posts, insulator pins, treenails, furniture, and archery bows. In fact, many archers consider the wood of the Osage-orange to be the worlds finest wood for bows. (The name bodark is from the French bois darc means “bow wood.”) Also, a bright yellow dye can be extracted from the wood.
While the Osage-orange is hardy in southern Iowa (USDA Hardiness Zone 5), it is not a suitable tree for the home landscape because of its large fruit and sharp thorns. Attempts have been made by horticulturists to identify and select male, thornless cultivars. Unfortunately, no cultivar has proven to be completely thornless. Until a true thornless cultivar is found, the Osage-orange is probably best suited for wildlife plantings in rural areas.
It is the fruit of the Osage-orange tree that most individuals find intriguing. With a size and density similar to a softball, in the hands of a child, the fruit can become dangerous weapons. Their size make them a nuisance in the home landscape. Hedge apples are not an important source of food for wildlife as most birds and animals find the fruit unpalatable. (However, the thorny trees do provide nesting and cover for wildlife.)
Hedge apples can be attractive fall decor. (4)
How to eat an Osage Orange – Weird Fruit Explorer Ep. 119
FAQ
Can humans eat horse apples?
No, humans should not eat horse apples (also known as Osage oranges or hedge apples), as the fruit is not edible for humans and can cause skin irritation from its milky, latex-like sap. While not directly toxic if accidentally ingested, they have an unpleasant, bitter taste and sticky texture. The seeds are potentially edible if roasted, but the pulp of the fruit should be avoided.
Do horse apples taste good?
While they have a rich array of names, the fruit does not taste so rich. They are actually bitter, and most people would consider them unpalatable, but you can eat them. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, the fleshy fruit is about 80 percent digestible.
Can humans eat osage oranges?
Humans generally do not eat the Osage orange (hedge apple) fruit due to its bitter, astringent taste and the irritating, milky sap inside, though the seeds are edible when extracted from the pulpy flesh and roasted, tasting similar to sunflower seeds. To access the seeds, the fruit can be macerated in water, but overall, the fruit is considered inedible for humans, though it has uses in other ways, such as for its exceptionally durable wood.
Which parts of an apple are edible to horses?
However, it’s important to exercise caution when feeding apples to horses. While the flesh of the apple is generally safe, the seeds and core should be removed before offering them to horses.