While hedge apples are not commonly eaten for their health benefits, they do contain some nutrients such as vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. However, it is important to consume them in moderation due to their potential laxative effects.
The most common use for hedge apples that I could find in my research was found with the wood. It is extremely hard, heavy, tough, and durable. Many archers consider the wood to be the finest wood for bows. It is also used for fence posts and furniture.
The yellow-green fruit, commonly called hedge apples, is produced by the Osage-orange tree. The female trees produce 3-to-5 inch-diameter fruit which ripens in September and October and falls to the ground. Other cultivated members of the Osage-orange family include the mulberry and fig.
I, like many of you I’m sure, have seen what we refer to as hedge apples appearing in grocery stores, farmers markets, and garden centers recently. Have you wondered where they come from and if they’re good for anything? I have!
I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Home Economics Education. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and traveling.
I have heard many people say hedge apples are great for pest control. They put them around the foundation of their homes or in the basement to deter cockroaches, spiders, boxelder bugs and crickets. This however seems to be folklore. There is no scientific research to support hedge apples are an effective insect repellent.
People who cannot eat bananas or avocados because of the plant latex should avoid using Osage Orange. Many other herbs have latex as well : dandelions, wild lettuce, opium, and chicory to name a few. Not everyone who is allergic to latex has problems with these herbs. Sometimes when we add new strong herbs to out regiment, we may experience a “cleansing effect” that usually passes in a a few days when we are used to the new addition to our diets. This is common with a lot of wild plants.
Why would you want to add Hedge Apple Fruit to your diet? Believe it or not, this so called “trash fruit” of the Osage Orange tree is full of antioxidants including Pomiferin and Osajin, and many others that are being researched for all kinds of medicinal properties. It is being studied for cytotoxicity to cancer cells, cannabinoid and opioid receptor activity, cardiovascular benefits, skin care, hair growth and more. Triterpene constituents have also been isolated from Hedge Apple fruit. The Link List to Potential Medicinal Properties of the Osage Orange Tree This is a slide about Hedge Apples from my Wild Medicinal Plants presentation, linked to larger .
I have seen many references that say Hedge Apples, also known as Osage Oranges, are not edible. This is simply not true. The weird bumpy fruits of Osage Orange tree arent the tastiest fruit, but when dried they can be a passable nibble. A mild, not unpleasant tasting, tea can be made from fruits that are sliced and dried.
Side story on this… the mice were given carrageen an, a common food additive to induce pain and inflammation so that the effects of Hedge Apples could be tested. If you use a lot of coffee creamer, and/or have digestive health issues, read the label. You might want to find a replacement that doesnt contain carrageenan. Read both pages of this article about carrageenan to see if it may be affecting your health.
l really enjoy Hedge Apple tea. It seems to calm me, chases away apathy and worrying thoughts that waste energy. The first time I tried it was because one study mentioned it seemed to ease pain and inflammation from mice. See links below. (I have pain… my spine is fused from waist to shoulders with 40 year old hardware. Enough of that.) I was not expecting a mood change. My first thought was “this is what I expected to feel from CBD oil.” I have no proof. I have shared it with friends who say its calming and helps with focus, but they arent depressed so arent using it daily as I have for the last month. It doesnt make me tired. I actually feel more like doing things that I have been putting off for too long.
The Culinary Applications of the Osage Orange 01: Eating Tree Brains, Hedge Apple.
FAQ
Can humans eat hedge apples?
What is a hedge apple good for?
Is Hedgeapple toxic?
Can humans eat Osage oranges?
Can you eat a hedge apple?
The hedge apple is inedible not because of its ugly taste and appearance but because of the latex, the fruit secrets that can irritate the human skin. Anything that can harm the outside of the human body can hurt the inside too. The seeds can be eaten but require at least 24 hours of soaking to make them soft.
Can apples cause health problems?
In case of suffering from gastritis or ulcer, it is not recommended to consume more than one green apple a day. In this case, it is better to enjoy this fruit one hour after eating well and not fasting. Also, sour apples can damage tooth enamel. Therefore, after consuming them, rinse your mouth with water.
Are hedge apples toxic?
However, that isn’t the whole story. While hedge apples aren’t toxic themselves, they contain substances that are sticky irritants, which can in turn cause dermatitis or eczema. Annoying as it may be, eczema isn’t anywhere close to lethal and some skin cream can often be enough to take care of it.
Are hedge apples bad for cattle?
As foodstuff for both humans as well as animals, hedge apples are unpalatable and practically useless. While cattle may not die from the hedge apples’ contents, their size and shape can get stuck in their throats, causing them to suffocate.