Mississippi is home to a variety of wild fruit trees such as Persimmon, Pawpaw, Blackberry bushes, Blueberry bushes, Wild Plum and Scuppernong grapevines.
In this blog, we will explore the different types of wild fruit trees and bushes found in Mississippi, how to identify and harvest them, and delicious ways to use them in your cooking.
So, come along with us as we discover the wonders of Wild Fruit Trees In Mississippi!
Types Of Wild Fruit Trees In Mississippi
Mississippi is home to a variety of wild fruit trees and bushes that can be found growing throughout the state.
Some of the most common wild fruit trees and bushes found in Mississippi include:
Persimmon Trees: Persimmon trees are native to Mississippi and can be found growing wild in the state’s forests and along roadsides. Persimmon fruits are orange-red and have a sweet, slightly tangy flavor.
They are typically ripe in the fall and can be eaten fresh or used in baking.
Pawpaw Trees: The Pawpaw tree is a small tree or large shrub that is native to Mississippi and other parts of the southeastern United States.
The fruit of the Pawpaw tree is a large, green, tropical-looking fruit that has a creamy, custard-like texture and a unique, sweet flavor.
They are typically ripe in late summer and can be eaten fresh or used in baking.
Blackberry Bushes: Blackberry bushes are a common sight in Mississippi and can be found growing wild in the state’s forests and along roadsides.
The blackberry fruit is a dark purple, juicy berry that has a sweet, slightly tart flavor.
They are typically ripe in the late spring and early summer and can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and baking.
Blueberry Bushes: Blueberry bushes are a common sight in Mississippi and can be found growing wild in the state’s forests and along roadsides.
The blueberry fruit is a small, blue-black berry that has a sweet, slightly tart flavor.
They are typically ripe in the late spring and early summer and can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and baking.
Wild Plum Trees: Wild plum trees are a common sight in Mississippi and can be found growing wild in the state’s forests and along roadsides.
The wild plum fruit is a small, red or purple fruit that has a sweet, slightly tart flavor.
They are typically ripe in the late spring and early summer and can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and baking.
Scuppernong Grapevines: Scuppernong grapevines are a common sight in Mississippi and can be found growing wild in the state’s forests and along roadsides.
The Scuppernong grape is a large, green or bronze-colored grape that has a sweet, slightly tart flavor.
They are typically ripe in the late summer and early fall and can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and baking.
Each of these wild fruits offers a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet, and can be found growing wild in Mississippi. It is worth exploring and trying out these wild fruits when in season.
[Related Article: 6 Types Of Wild Fruit Trees In Georgia]
Identification and Harvesting
When it comes to wild fruit trees and bushes, proper identification is crucial to ensure that you are not mistaking a poisonous plant for something edible.
One of the easiest ways to identify wild fruit trees is by their leaves, bark, and fruit.
For example, persimmon trees have glossy, dark green leaves and orange-red fruit, while pawpaw trees have large, simple leaves and greenish-yellow fruit.
Blackberry bushes have thorny stems and dark purple fruit, and blueberry bushes have small, bell-shaped white flowers and blue fruit.
Wild plum trees have simple, oval-shaped leaves and small, red or purple fruit.
Scuppernong grapevines have large, lobed leaves and green or bronze fruit.
When it comes to harvesting wild fruit, timing is everything.
Each type of fruit has its own ideal time for picking, so it’s important to do some research or consult with an expert before heading out to gather wild fruit.
For example, persimmons should be harvested when they are fully ripe and soft to the touch, while pawpaws are best picked when they are slightly soft and have a fruity aroma.
Blackberries and blueberries should be picked when they are fully ripe and have a deep color, while wild plums and scuppernong grapes should be harvested when they are fully ripe and have a slightly soft texture.
It’s also important to keep in mind that some wild fruits, such as persimmons and pawpaws, are not fully ripe until they have fallen from the tree or bush. In these cases, it’s best to wait until the fruit has fallen to the ground before harvesting.
Uses and Recipes
One of the best things about wild fruits is that they can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Here are some of the most popular ways to use wild fruits in Mississippi:
Eating fresh: Wild fruits are delicious when eaten fresh off the tree or bush.
Some of the best fruits for eating fresh include persimmons, pawpaws, blueberries, and wild plums.
Simply rinse the fruit and enjoy!
Making jams and jellies: Wild fruits are perfect for making jams and jellies.
Blackberries, blueberries, and wild plums are all great for making jams and jellies.
The process is similar to making jam with store-bought fruit, with the addition of sugar and lemon juice.
Baking with wild fruit: Wild fruits can also be used in baking.
Blueberries and wild plums are perfect for making pies and cobblers, while persimmons and pawpaws can be used to make breads and muffins.
Tips and tricks for using wild fruit:
- Always be sure to properly identify the fruit before consuming it.
- Wild fruits are often smaller and less uniform in shape than store-bought fruits, so they may require extra care when cleaning and preparing them.
- Be sure to harvest wild fruits at the peak of ripeness for the best flavor.
- If you have a large quantity of wild fruits, consider freezing or canning them for later use.
