Table of Contents
- Edible Uses of Prickly Gooseberry
- Medicinal Uses of Prickly Gooseberry
- Alternative Uses of Honeyblobs
- Growing Ribes Cynosbati
In Chippewa, micidji’minaga’wunj meaning “fuzzy fruit”, prickly gooseberry is a fuzzy wild currant. Spiky is more apt. Despite the soft flexible spikes on the fruit, it’s an edible and medicinal wild plant. And native to Ontario.
There are many ribes spp. to feature from Ontario. A couple are gooseberries. Prickly gooseberry (ribes cynosbati) is the common one, especially in moist woodlands, though it likes sandy soil too. I have some growing along my sandy driveway. Wild gooseberry (ribes hirtellum) is uncommon here, and favors low, moist shrubby sites.
Edible Uses of Prickly Gooseberry
All wild currants are edible raw, cooked or dried. They are all high in pectin, so perfect for jam and jellies. Tart gooseberries are wonderful in fruit pies. And like cranberries can be added to turkey stuffing, used in baking, and all matter of desserts.
The young tender leaves can be used in salads.
Green berries can be collected and left to ripen. They are thirst quenching on the trail, but can be quite acidic. And as for our most common, prickly, put the ripe berries into a bag and rub until the prickles are off. Emphasis on ripe. They’ll brush off easily if your timing is right.
The fruit is similar looking to wild cucumber – make sure to learn the difference.
Medicinal Uses of Prickly Gooseberry
Prickly Gooseberry is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Digestive
- Integumentary
Medicinal tags include Astringent and Laxative. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage includes as a laxative and astringent wash or gargle.
Alternative Uses of Honeyblobs
The spikes can be used to remove splinters.
Growing Ribes Cynosbati
Cuttings, seeds, or purchasing from native plant nurseries are all ways to obtain gooseberries.
For food, planting the less common native gooseberry (ribes hirtellum) is recommended. For biodiversity and use by pollinators and wildlife, either are wonderful.
In rare areas, where pine is being farmed for pulp, planting ribes spp. may be against the law because it can pass blister rust fungus to pine. For the same reason, best plant it and especially black currants away from your pine trees.
WARNINGS
Consume in moderation. Overdoing it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess.
2) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
3) For medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
4) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
5) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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REFERENCES
How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts (Native American)
Edible and Medicinal Plants of Canada