Nannyberry

About

Nannyberry is a plant which, in the winter, produces clusters of sweet, dark blue, edible berries that can be eaten raw or used to make jams and jellies.

Information

Translations: ナニーベリー, Alisier, Нанниберри, Нанніберрі, 南妮伯里, Нанниберри

Physical Description

From a large native tree-like shrub, occasionally found in North Dakota wooded areas. Attractive for its shiny foliage, red fall color and fruit display. It has green foliage and inconspicuous white flowers, with a smattering of conspicuous red fruits or seeds.

Fruit in hanging clusters, berry-like (a drupe), oval to nearly round, 10-15 mm long, changing from green to yellow, pink, rose and finally to blue-black, sweet and edible, with an odor of wet sheep wool when ripe and rotting, with a single, smooth, nearly flat stone.

Colors: Blue-black

Tasting Notes

Flavors: Sweet

Mouthfeel: Juicy

Food complements: Desserts, Other fruits

Wine complements: Merlot, Black muscat

Substitutes: Blueberry

Selecting and Buying

Seasonality: may, june, july, august, september, opctober

Choosing: Look for berries that are a shiny, bright red color. Dull red berries are an indication that they are overripe. The berries should smell sweet, fruity, which is an indication that they will have a sweet flavor. They should be firm without bruises or soft spots, which cause the berries to deteriorate quickly. The damaged berries can contaminate the other berries and cause them to deteriorate. Always check the entire container of berries, top and bottom, to avoid purchasing berries that are dull, bruised, or moldy. Generally the size of the berries is not an indication of how sweet and flavorful they are, although very large berries tend to be less flavorful.

Buying: The plant is easily found in nurseries, garden stores and other plant dealers and distributors. The berry is harder to find. Try farmer's markets.

Procuring: Nannyberry is one of the more shade-tolerant woody plants but it also grows well in open sites. It is tolerant of both moist and dry soils. It is easily transplanted and established and can be propagated by cuttings. Although the growth habit is primarily a multi-stemmed shrub, it can be maintained as a small tree by pruning stems and removing basal suckers. Pests & Potential Problems Nannyberry is susceptible to powdery mildew where air circulation is not good. Infected plants are not killed but the leaves can be discolored and disfigured in late summer and fall.

Preparation and Use

The berries are often eaten raw as whole, sliced or crushed. When sugar is added, their natural juices are drawn out and crushed berries will produce a sauce that can be eaten as is or poured over shortcake or ice cream. Also used as an ingredient in many salads, pies, cakes, sorbets, and other desserts. They are used as appetizers or a garnish on appetizer and cheese platters.

Cleaning: If it is necessary to wash the berries, place them in a colander and gently rinse them under cool water before removing the stems. If the stem is removed the water will have a greater affect on the texture and flavor of the berries.

Conserving and Storing

Berries are best eaten the day they are purchased. If storing berries , first sort through them and discard any soft, bruised, damaged, or overripe berries. Without washing, replace the berries back in their original container or place on a paper towel covered plate or pan and cover lightly with plastic wrap. The berries should be lightly covered to prevent their scent from penetrating other foods when stored in the refrigerator. The berries can be stored in the refrigerator for two or three days. Do not remove the hulls until berries are going to be used. berries are highly perishable so they should not be exposed to the sun or warm temperatures for any extended period of time. If the strawberries are not going to be used within 2 or 3 days, they can be frozen to prevent them from spoiling.