The Surprising Truth About Snowberry Flavor
When people see the pristine white clusters of berries on a snowberry shrub ($Symphoricarpos albus$), they often assume they are a sweet and delectable forest treat. The reality is quite the opposite. The flavor profile of snowberries is complex and highly dependent on the specific species in question. For the common snowberry, the berries are largely unappetizing, often described as bland, bitter, and sometimes soapy due to the presence of saponins. In contrast, the much smaller creeping snowberry ($Gaultheria hispidula$), a different genus entirely, offers a refreshing wintergreen or minty flavor, similar to a Tic-Tac.
Flavor Profile Breakdown: Common vs. Creeping Snowberry
There is a major distinction in taste between the most common ornamental snowberry and its less-known relative. The taste of the ornamental shrub, $Symphoricarpos albus$, is frequently described in highly negative terms, with some accounts suggesting they taste like soap. This unappealing taste is nature's own warning system. The smaller creeping snowberry, however, has an entirely different reputation. Its flavor is famously described as wintergreen, and while edible, the berries are still quite small and typically consumed only in small quantities.
Why Do Snowberries Taste Bad?
The primary reason for the unpleasant taste in common snowberries is the presence of saponins and other chemical compounds like isoquinoline alkaloids. Saponins are naturally occurring, soapy compounds that cause gastrointestinal irritation and create a bitter, off-putting taste. This acts as a deterrent to most mammals, including humans, though some wildlife like birds and deer can consume them without ill effect. This is an important evolutionary trait that helps the plant protect its seeds from being destroyed by animal digestion. The term 'famine berry' has even been used for the common snowberry, referencing that animals only eat them as a last resort.
Foraging for Snowberries: A Risky Endeavor
Foraging for snowberries requires extreme caution and positive identification of the species. Most sources strongly advise against ingesting the common snowberry ($Symphoricarpos albus$) due to its unpleasant taste and mild toxicity. Symptoms of consumption include vomiting and dizziness. The creeping snowberry ($Gaultheria hispidula$), with its wintergreen flavor, is edible but much smaller and harder to find. Unless you are an expert botanist, it is safer to admire snowberries for their aesthetic value rather than attempt to eat them. Many reputable sources, including the U.S. National Park Service, explicitly state that common snowberries are distasteful and toxic in large quantities.
Edibility and Toxicity Comparison Table
| Feature | Common Snowberry ($Symphoricarpos albus$) | Creeping Snowberry ($Gaultheria hispidula$) |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Bland, bitter, soapy | Wintergreen, minty |
| Edibility | Not recommended for human consumption | Considered edible in small amounts |
| Toxicity to Humans | Mildly toxic; causes vomiting and dizziness | Not known to be toxic to humans |
| Toxicity to Wildlife | Generally not toxic to wildlife; eaten by birds | Edible for some wildlife; not a primary food source |
| Chemical Compounds | Contains saponins and isoquinoline alkaloids | Contains wintergreen flavoring compounds |
| Appearance | Waxy, puffy white berries | Small, white, egg-shaped berries |
Culinary Uses and Alternatives
Because the most prominent snowberry species is unpalatable and mildly toxic, there is no widespread culinary use for it. Historically, some Native American tribes used the berries externally for medicinal purposes or as a soap due to their saponin content, not for food. The unpleasant flavor and potential for causing illness make common snowberries a poor choice for jams, jellies, or teas. For those seeking a wintergreen flavor, a better and safer alternative is to use the leaves or berries of the true wintergreen plant ($Gaultheria procumbens$), which is a different species entirely and known for its flavor.
Decorative Value of Snowberries
While they may not be a culinary delight, snowberries are prized for their ornamental value. Their clusters of white berries stand out beautifully against bare winter branches, providing visual interest in gardens and landscapes long after other plants have faded. They are also a valuable food source and habitat for local wildlife, making them a popular choice for native plant and wildlife gardens.
Conclusion: Admire, Don't Eat
In summary, the question of what do snowberries taste like has a complicated answer, which depends on the specific plant being discussed. For the common, large-berried snowberry ($Symphoricarpos albus$), the flavor is distinctly unpleasant, bitter, and soapy, and the berries are mildly toxic. For the rarer creeping snowberry ($Gaultheria hispidula$), the flavor is a pleasant wintergreen. However, due to the risk of misidentification and the common species' mild toxicity, the best advice is to appreciate snowberries for their beauty and ecological role from a safe distance. Unless you are a knowledgeable forager with positive species identification, it is not worth the risk to consume these berries.
Disclaimer: Always consult with a foraging expert or botanist before consuming any wild plant. The information provided here is for educational purposes only.
