Can We Eat Veld Grapes? Understanding the Edibility and Uses

Veld grapes ($Cissus quadrangularis$) have been used for centuries in traditional medicine throughout Africa and Asia for ailments including bone fractures and digestive issues. This rich history leads many to wonder about the modern edibility of veld grapes and how to safely prepare them.

Quick Summary

The stems, leaves, and ripe fruits of the veld grape ($Cissus quadrangularis$) are edible when properly cooked or processed, but raw consumption can cause irritation. This plant is traditionally prized for its medicinal properties, rather than its culinary appeal, and requires careful handling and preparation.

Key Points

• Edible Parts: The stems, leaves, and ripe berries of the veld grape ($Cissus quadrangularis$) are edible when cooked properly.

• Preparation is Key: Raw veld grape stems and leaves contain compounds that can cause skin and mouth irritation; they must be cooked to be safely consumed.

• Medicinal Tradition: Beyond its use as food, veld grape is a revered herb in Ayurveda, known for its ability to promote bone healing and reduce inflammation.

• Wear Gloves: Handling the raw stems of the plant can cause a burning sensation on the skin, so it is best to wear gloves during preparation.

• Unique Look: The veld grape is distinguished by its four-sided, quadrangular stems, which helps in identifying it correctly.

• Nutrient-Rich: The plant contains beneficial vitamins, minerals (like calcium), and bioactive compounds that provide significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Introduction to the Veld Grape

Often called the adamant creeper, devil's backbone, or pirandai, the veld grape ($Cissus quadrangularis$) is a perennial plant belonging to the Vitaceae (grape) family. Unlike the familiar table grapes from the $Vitis$ genus, the veld grape is a succulent vine known for its distinctive four-sided stems. Native to tropical Asia, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula, it has been a staple in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda for its potent healing properties, particularly concerning bone health. Its culinary use is secondary to its medicinal value and requires specific preparation to be consumed safely.

Edible Parts and Preparation

While some might expect to simply pluck and eat the fruits like regular grapes, the edibility of veld grapes is more nuanced. The young stems, leaves, and ripe berries are the primary edible components, but they must be prepared correctly to mitigate their acidic and potentially irritating properties.

Preparing Veld Grape Stems

The most common edible part is the young, fleshy stem. However, handling the raw stems can cause a burning sensation on the skin, so it is recommended to wear gloves. Before cooking, the fibrous edges of the quadrangular stems must be peeled away. Traditional preparations often involve frying or boiling the cleaned stems. A popular method in South India is to make a chutney, where the stems are cooked with spices, lentils, and tamarind to balance their tangy flavor. Frying the stems in ghee or oil until the raw smell dissipates is another effective way to prepare them for consumption.

Consuming Leaves and Fruits

The young leaves and shoots can also be used in curries and other cooked dishes. Their flavor is described as tangy and acidic. The berries, which ripen to a red or black color, are also reported to be edible. However, they are not typically eaten raw in large quantities and are less frequently consumed than the stems.

Medicinal Uses and Nutritional Value

The reputation of the veld grape rests heavily on its medicinal properties, many of which are supported by scientific research. Its traditional uses in Ayurveda and other systems are extensive.

Key Medicinal Benefits

• Bone Health: Historically known as "bone setter" or asthisamharaka, the plant contains calcium and powerful compounds that promote bone regeneration and accelerate the healing of fractures.
• Anti-inflammatory: The plant has shown potent anti-inflammatory properties, providing relief from conditions such as arthritis and joint pain.
• Weight Management: Some studies suggest that veld grape extracts may assist in weight management by promoting fat metabolism and reducing appetite.
• Gastrointestinal Health: Traditionally, it is used to treat a variety of digestive issues, including indigestion and hemorrhoids.

Nutritional Composition

Veld grape is rich in several key nutrients and bioactive compounds:

• Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which act as powerful antioxidants.
• Minerals: A good source of calcium and magnesium, essential for bone health.
• Bioactive Compounds: Loaded with flavonoids, stilbenes, and triterpenoids, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Comparison: Veld Grapes vs. Common Table Grapes

To better understand the differences, here is a comparison between veld grapes ($Cissus quadrangularis$) and the common table grapes ($Vitis vinifera$).

Feature	Veld Grape ($Cissus quadrangularis$)	Common Table Grape ($Vitis vinifera$)
Appearance	Succulent, 4-sided green stems; fleshy, 3-lobed leaves; small red/black berries.	Non-succulent woody vines; large, typically 3-5 lobed leaves; large, round berries in clusters.
Edible Parts	Primarily cooked young stems and leaves; ripe berries.	Fresh, ripe berries; leaves used for wrapping.
Flavor Profile	Tangy and acidic; requires cooking to reduce irritation.	Sweet and juicy; pleasant when eaten raw.
Culinary Use	Mostly cooked into chutneys, curries, or stir-fries.	Eaten raw, used in juices, wines, jams, and desserts.
Primary Purpose	Primarily medicinal, with some culinary applications.	Primarily culinary.
Handling	Raw stems can cause skin irritation; gloves recommended.	Safe to handle without special precautions.

Identifying Veld Grapes and Safety Concerns

Positive identification is crucial before attempting to consume any wild plant. Veld grape is easily identified by its unique quadrangular (four-sided) stems and fleshy, toothed, three-lobed leaves. It also features tendrils for climbing.

Safety Checklist:

1. Positive Identification: Be 100% sure of your identification. Do not confuse it with potentially toxic look-alikes. When identifying wild plants for consumption, the mantra "if in doubt, leave it out" is paramount.
2. Proper Preparation: Only eat the parts that are known to be safe after cooking. Do not consume raw stems or leaves. Cooking helps neutralize compounds that cause irritation.
3. Wear Gloves: Handle the raw stems with gloves to prevent skin irritation.
4. Moderation: Start with small amounts to see how your body reacts. As with any new food, especially wild-foraged ones, it is best to exercise caution.
5. Consult a Professional: If you are taking any medication or have underlying health conditions, consult a healthcare provider before using veld grape for medicinal purposes. For more information on its botanical characteristics, consult an authoritative source such as Wikipedia on Cissus quadrangularis.

Conclusion

The question of whether we can eat veld grapes has a more complex answer than a simple yes or no. While not a conventional fruit for snacking, the young stems, leaves, and ripe berries of the veld grape are indeed edible, provided they are prepared correctly through cooking to remove their irritating properties. The plant is more widely celebrated for its medicinal qualities, particularly its long history of use in promoting bone health and reducing inflammation. For anyone curious about its culinary applications, the key lies in positive identification, proper preparation, and respecting its role as a powerful herbal remedy rather than a common foodstuff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat raw veld grape stems?

No, you should not eat raw veld grape stems. The raw stems can cause skin and mouth irritation and are traditionally prepared by cooking to neutralize these effects.

What parts of the veld grape are edible?

The edible parts of the veld grape include the young stems, young leaves, and ripe berries, but all are typically consumed only after cooking or processing.

Why is veld grape known as the 'bone setter'?

Veld grape is known as the 'bone setter' because it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to help heal bone fractures and injured ligaments. It contains compounds that promote bone regeneration and strengthen bones.

What is the best way to prepare veld grape stems?

The best way to prepare veld grape stems is to first peel the fibrous edges while wearing gloves, and then cook them. They are often fried or used to make chutneys and curries, which helps balance their tangy flavor.

Does veld grape have medicinal uses?

Yes, veld grape is a potent medicinal plant used traditionally to treat inflammation, bone fractures, digestive issues, and joint pain. It is also explored for its potential benefits in weight management.

How can I tell the difference between veld grape and other vines?

You can identify veld grapes by their unique four-sided, quadrangular stems and fleshy, three-lobed leaves with toothed edges. They also have simple tendrils that emerge from the nodes.

Is the veld grape related to common table grapes?

Yes, the veld grape ($Cissus quadrangularis$) is in the same plant family (Vitaceae) as common table grapes ($Vitis vinifera$), but they are different species with distinct characteristics and culinary uses.