Identify & eat American Beautyberries

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how to...

American beautyberries are a native plant and their berries are better for use in foods & drinks.  Asian beautyberries are invasive and not as good in the kitchen.

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Step 1: Identification

American beautyberries have a more upright growth habit. Asian beautyberries have a weeping growth habit.

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Step 1: Identification - Growth Habit

Asian beautyberry bush with a weeping growth habit.

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American beautyberry with an upright growth habit.

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When ripe, American beautyberries form tight clusters around the branches. Asian beautyberries dangle slightly off the branches via small stems (peduncles).

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Step 1: Identification - berries 

Asian beautyberry berries attached to the branch via stem or peduncle (gold arrows)

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American beautyberry berries form much tighter clusters around the branches.

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Some people are allergic to beautyberry leaves, so your first few times, wear gloves & long sleeves when harvesting. Hold one hand under the berry cluster while pulling forward on the berry cluster with your other hand. All the berries in a cluster will dislodge.

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Step 2: Harvesting safety 

Holding a basket to catch any falling berries while using the other hand to harvest a branch of berries.

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Once you have enough beautyberries in your container/harvest basket, remove any unwanted leaves or debris.

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Step 2: Harvesting cleaning 

A basket of berries with leaves and debris. Fun fact: Any leaves can be saved and used as mosquito repellent! 

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Beautyberries aren’t a very good fresh-eating berry - think of them as a unique flavoring that’s like a cross between Chinese five spice and canned pears. They make for amazing color & taste in jellies, desserts, drinks, etc...

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Step 3:  eating & drinking

There are lots of recipes to choose from, but you typically start by cooking and straining seeds and skins, infusing recipes with bright pink color and unique flavor.

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Step 3:  eating & drinking

American beautyberries make a vibrant and tasty  jello! 

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GET THE RECIPE!

Beautyberry infused whipped cream makes a delicious seasonal addition to crepes — or frankly,  anything needing whipped cream. 

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GET THE RECIPE!

Beautyberry crabapple cordial has become one of our favorite seasonal treats! 

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GET THE RECIPE!

Read the full article at Tyrant Farms! 

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