Can you eat the berries from a Lilly Pilly?

Answered by Phillip Nicastro

You can definitely eat the berries from a Lilly Pilly tree. In fact, the berries of the Creek Lilly Pilly (Syzgium australe) and the Szygium luehmannii are known to be particularly tasty and are enjoyed by many people.

When the berries are ripe, they can be plucked directly from the tree and eaten fresh. The taste of the berries is often described as sweet and slightly tart, which makes them quite refreshing to consume. The texture of the berries is also quite pleasing, with a juicy and succulent flesh that adds to the overall enjoyment of eating them.

Not only are these berries delicious on their own, but they can also be used in various culinary applications. For example, you can use the berries to make jams, cordials, and sauces. The natural sweetness and tartness of the berries make them a great ingredient for these types of recipes.

Making jam from Lilly Pilly berries is a wonderful way to preserve the fruit and enjoy it throughout the year. The berries can be cooked down with sugar and lemon juice to create a thick and flavorful jam that can be spread on toast or used as a topping for desserts. The vibrant red color of the berries also adds a beautiful touch to the jam.

Similarly, Lilly Pilly berries can be used to make cordials and sauces. The berries can be simmered with sugar and water to create a syrupy cordial that can be mixed with water or soda for a refreshing drink. The tartness of the berries adds a nice balance to the sweetness of the cordial. Additionally, the berries can be blended and strained to create a smooth sauce that can be used as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, or other desserts.

In terms of personal experiences, I have had the opportunity to enjoy Lilly Pilly berries in various forms. I have tasted the fresh berries straight from the tree and have found them to be incredibly delicious. The combination of sweetness and tartness makes them a delightful snack. I have also made jam from Lilly Pilly berries and found it to be a wonderful way to preserve the fruit and enjoy it throughout the year. The jam has a rich flavor and vibrant color that is truly enjoyable.

Yes, you can eat the berries from a Lilly Pilly tree. The berries of the Creek Lilly Pilly and Szygium luehmannii are not only tasty when eaten fresh, but they can also be used to make jams, cordials, and sauces. The natural sweetness and tartness of the berries make them a versatile and enjoyable ingredient in various culinary applications. So, if you come across a Lilly Pilly tree, don’t hesitate to try the delicious berries it bears.