Tag: Elaeagnus umbellata

According to scientific analysis, 100 grams of fresh autumn olive fruit contains approximately 8.34 grams of total sugar, distinguishing it significantly from the savory table olives found in jars. These small, tart-sweet berries, from the invasive *Elaeagnus umbellata* plant, offer a different—and more sugary—profile than their namesake suggests.

Autumn olive berries are a powerhouse of nutrition, with some research indicating they contain significantly higher levels of lycopene—a powerful antioxidant—than ripe tomatoes. While known as a highly invasive species, this distinctive red-speckled fruit also offers surprising health benefits for those who forage responsibly.

While considered an invasive species in many regions, the autumn olive shrub produces a prolific amount of tiny, red berries that are perfectly edible. This guide explores which parts of the plant are safe for consumption, focusing on the highly nutritious fruit and its uses.

Native to China, Japan, and Korea, the Japanese silverberry (Elaeagnus umbellata), also known as Autumn Olive, is a prolific producer of small, red berries that are perfectly safe for human consumption. This guide explores the answer to 'can you eat Japanese silverberry?' by detailing its taste, uses, and impressive nutritional profile, and also offers important considerations for foraging.