Edible Plants of the World

Russian olive

It grows in cold desert in north India. It is native to western Asia. It grows along coasts and near riverbanks and in dry riverbeds and floodplains. It does best with warm dry summers. It can tolerate salt soil. It will grow in almost any soils. It needs plenty of sunlight. It is frost hardy. In the Himalayas it grows between 1,800-3,500 m altitude. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 2-9.

Also known as:

Chhiolik, Giwai, Igde, Jida, Olajbogyo, Olajfa, Oleaster, Ozkolistna oljčica, Sand jujube, Sarseng, Sersing, Shersing, Shiulik, Sinc, Surch, Trebizond date, Zinzeyd

Synonyms

Edible Portion

Where does Russian olive grow?

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Found in: Afghanistan, Africa, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Caucasus, Central Asia, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, Europe, France, Georgia, Greece, Himalayas, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Mediterranean, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tajikistan, Tibet, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United States, Uzbekistan, Yugoslavia

Notes: There are 45 Elaeagnus species. Most are in temperate east Asia. It can be invasive. It is high in Vitamin C.

Status: The fruit are a commercial crop. They are sold in markets. It is an important food in arid regions of north China. The ripe fruit are eaten by children. It is cultivated.

Growing Russian olive

Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seed, cuttings, grafting or rooted suckers.

Edible Uses: The fruit is eaten dried and raw or cooked. They are made into jellies and sherbets. The ripe fruit is sweet. They are also used for fermenting and distilling an alcoholic drink. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

Nutrition Info

per 100g edible portion

Edible Part Energy (kcal) Protein (g) Iron (mg) Vitamin A (ug) Vitamin c (mg) Zinc (mg) % Water
Fruit - - 7 2.4 3.5 0.5

References

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