Japanese raisin tree, Chinese raisin tree

Where does Japanese raisin tree grow?

Found in: Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Britain, China, Cuba, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Paraguay, SE Asia, Sikkim, South America, Taiwan, Tasmania, Thailand, Turkey, United States, West Africa

Notes: There are 2 Hovenia species.

Status: It is eaten especially by children. Fruit are sold in village markets.

Growing Japanese raisin tree, Chinese raisin tree

Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seed. The seed has a coat which prevents water entering so this needs to be cut with a small nick. Another method is to soak the seed to water at 60°C 3 times over 3 days. Seed then planted and placed in the sun will germinate in 1 to 4 weeks. Soft wood cuttings can also be used.

Edible Uses: The fruit stalk is fleshy and edible. (It tastes like ripe pears.) They are also used for jellies. They can be dried and stored for several months. The stalks are used for drinks and for alcoholic drinks. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer. The sweet extract from the leaves and seeds is used as a honey substitute. The ripe fruit are also eaten. The fruit are fermented into vinegar.

Production: Trees grow slowly about 0.5 m a year. Trees grown from seed bear fruit in 7-10 years. The fruit stalks ripen late in the season and can be used similarly to raisins. They can be stored in a cool dark place for 2 months.

Nutrition Info

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