Lantana Berries
Estimated Inventory, bskt : 0
Description/Taste
Lantana berries are small, averaging 6 to 8 millimeters in diameter, and grow in clusters on a leafy, flowering shrub. The berries are round to oblate and have smooth, taut, and glossy skin. When unripe, they are green, transitioning to shades of dark purple-blue, almost black with maturity. Underneath the surface, the flesh envelops tiny seeds and has a crunchy and waxy consistency. Lantana berries are only consumed when they are ripe and completely pigmented. They should not be eaten if the skin is green or partially green. Ripe berries have a sweet, subtly tart taste. Some consumers note a faint flavor reminiscent of black currants and cherries. In addition to the fruits, the shrub is known for its leaves and flowers. The green leaves grow in opposite pairs and average 5 to 12 centimeters in length and 2 to 8 centimeters in diameter. They have a broad, tapered appearance and a textured surface with lightly toothed edges. The flowers grow in tiny clusters and mainly showcase shades of red, yellow, and orange, sometimes pink, white, and purple, depending on the species. Lantana flowers are around 2 to 2.5 centimeters in diameter and can form in groupings of 20 to 40 blooms. Both the flowers and leaves are used worldwide for medicinal purposes and are as valued as the berries.
Seasons/Availability
Lantana berries are available year-round in some regions worldwide, with a peak season in the early summer.
Current Facts
Lantana berries, botanically classified as Lantana camara, are the fruits of an herbaceous shrub belonging to the Verbenaceae family. The Lantana genus is estimated to have over 150 species, and Lantana camara is the most commonly discussed species. Lantana berries grow on evergreen, perennial plants reaching around 1.8 meters in height and have become naturalized worldwide in temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions. Lantana plants are known by many regional names, including but not limited to Spanish Flag, Red Sage, Ham and Eggs Plant, Tick Berry, and West Indian Latana in English-speaking countries, Coronitas in Spanish, Diris and Kantutay in Tagalog, Ma-Ying Tan in Chinese, Kaam Kung in Thai, and Raimuniya, Unnichedi, and Pulikampa in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages spoken in India. Throughout history, Lantana camara has remained an essential medicinal, ornamental, and culinary species. The species is utilized by communities worldwide, and elements from the shrub are traditionally foraged from wild or naturalized plants. Lantana plants are also sown in home gardens to attract beneficial pollinators.
Nutritional Value
Lantana plants are revered for their use in natural medicines worldwide. The fruits, roots, leaves, and stems are used in various remedies, and the plant is known for its essential oils. Parts of Lantana plants are made into tonics, decoctions, and expectorants to help with toothaches, coughs, and various respiratory issues. Topical creams and poultices also help with skin irritations, rashes, insect and snake bites, swelling, and wounds. Lantana leaves have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties and are commonly made into tea. This tea is consumed to help ease symptoms associated with colds and flu, aid in digestion, and boost overall immunity.
Applications
Lantana berries are primarily eaten when they are ripe and have transitioned in color to entirely dark purple-blue or almost black. It is not recommended to eat green or partially green berries. There are many conflicting viewpoints surrounding the consumption of Lantana berries, and discretion to eat the berries is up to each individual. It is advised to speak with a medical professional who can help determine whether consuming Lantana berries is safe based on individual medical needs. That being said, many communities worldwide frequently consume ripe Lantana berries. The berries are typically consumed raw or simmered into jams, jellies, and other preserves. Some communities also mix the berries with different fruits for pies and baked goods or juice the fruits for cordials. For the best quality and flavor, Lantana berries should be consumed soon after harvest.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Lantana berries have been heavily debated for their toxicity throughout history. Several studies in the mid to late 20th century claimed that the berries cause gastrointestinal distress, especially if ingested by children. The most cited study occurred in 1964, and the paper published about the study was written by S.L. Wolfson and T.W. Solomons, called “Poisoning by Fruit of Lantana camara; An Acute Syndrome Observed in Children Following Ingestion of the Green Fruit.” Later in 2010, a study was conducted by Shaun D. Carstairs and co-investigators entitled “Ingestion of Lantana camara Is Not Associated With Significant Effects in Children.” This study examined the California Poison Control System database between 1997 and 2009 and reviewed 641 cases of children who mostly ate the berries. Their findings concluded that there were no reports of severe adverse effects, and some children experienced mild symptoms of digestive discomfort. Even though ongoing arguments are being made on both sides of the spectrum for the fruits, it is generally accepted that the berries have historically and still are being consumed worldwide among select communities. Berry consumption is a personal, individualistic, and optional choice, as each consumer has a varying medical background and sensitivity to specific foods.
Geography/History
Lantana camara is native to regions of tropical America and has been growing wild since ancient times. The species is hypothesized to have origins in areas of the West Indies, Bahamas, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, and other parts of Central America and thrives at sea level up to 2,000 meters in elevation. Lantana camara was naturally spread through birds dropping seeds in its native region, and over time, human migration contributed to the species’ expansion throughout the Americas. In the late 17th century, European explorers began introducing the species as an ornamental plant from the Americas, eventually establishing it in Europe. The spread of species continued into the 18th century with commercial nurseries selling the plants, and it was sown in parts of Asia, the South Pacific, Australia, South Africa, and Hawaii. Today, Lantana camara has been naturalized worldwide and is considered an aggressive invasive species in some regions. The species is found in temperate, tropical, and subtropical areas and has wild, naturalized, and purposefully planted populations. Lantana camara is not a commercially cultivated species for culinary use. If the berries are consumed, they are typically collected by hand for individual use or sold through small-scale producers or foragers.
Lantana Berries for sale around the world shared on the Specialty Produce App
