PLEASE RESEARCH THIS PLANT yourself before eating.
This drought-resistant shrub grows up to 10 feet tall and prefers light shade. Even here in Lehigh, during the winter, Beauty Berry
drop their leaves. Their leaves are egg-shaped, jagged edged all the way around the leaf, light green, and hairy. I have lots of these growing in the vacant lots next door.The berries of this gorgeous plant are supposedly edible. Large quantities of the raw, purple berries can be laxative. The cooked berries can be used to make jelly and wine. There is also a white
variety of the showy Beauty Berry shrub available mail order. The leaves of this multi-purpose shrub work pretty well as an insect repellent. I crumple green leaves and rub on my skin; shove a crumpled leaf in each of my shoes; and tuck a couple leaves under each bra strap. The insect repellent property of Beauty Berry leaves is being researched to control mosquitoes, fire ants, and ticks.
Watch the video shown below here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igKeqZjxPYQ&
Green Dean's recipe can be found here. He found the recipe in the book “Florida’s Incredible Wild Edibles
” by Richard Deuerling and Peggy Lantz. I have borrowed this many times from Lee County Library. For ease, I have also put the recipe here from the book “Florida’s Incredible Wild Edibles
”: Beauty Berry Jelly
- 1-1/2 quarts of washed beauty berries and 2 quarts water
Boil for 20 minutes and strain to make infusion.
- Use 3 cups of the infusion, bring to a boil, and add:
1 envelope Sure Jell and 4-1/2 cups sugar.
- Bring to a second boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from burner and allow to stand until foam forms.
- Skim off foam.
- Pour into sterilized jars and cap.
