- What do the fruits of the Akebia quinata look like?
- Under what conditions do the fruits ripen?
- Do all Akebie flowers develop fruit?
- Which parts of the Akebia quinata can be used for culinary purposes?
The Akebia quinata is certainly not considered a useful plant in this country, it is often even feared that it is poisonous. However, this fear is superfluous, because the decorative fruits of the Akebia, also known as climbing cucumbers, are quite edible.
The bluish fruit of the akebia is edible
What do the fruits of the Akebia quinata look like?
As the name climbing cucumber suggests, the fruits of the Akebia look quite similar to a cucumber. They are finger-shaped and about 15 centimeters long. However, their color is quite unusual for cucumbers, as is their sweetish taste. The coloring is described as blue frosted or purple and more closely resembles that of an eggplant.
The essentials in brief:
- fruits edible
- sweet taste
- Size: about 15 cm
- Shape: finger-shaped, cucumber-like
- Colour: violet or crimson, dusted with blue
Under what conditions do the fruits ripen?
Since the Akebia quinata belongs to the tropical plants, it needs heat and sun to bear flowers and later fruit. In addition, it only begins to flower at the age of about five years. A young Akebie is therefore not yet expected to bear fruit. You can harvest older Akebia in September or October.
Do all Akebie flowers develop fruit?
An Akebia quinata has both male and female flowers, but only the female flowers produce fruit. These flowers are brownish purple and smell like vanilla or chocolate. They are slightly larger than the male flowers, which you can easily recognize by their pink colour. For successful fertilization, it makes sense to plant at least two akebia.
Which parts of the Akebia quinata can be used for culinary purposes?
In addition to the sweet, slightly chocolate-tasting fruits, you can also use the sprouts and leaves in the kitchen. Incidentally, the skin of the fruit tastes a little bitter. They are still fried and eaten in their Asian homeland.
A tea can be made from the (dried) leaves of Akebia quinata. The young sprouts can also be eaten raw and prepared in a salad, for example. The Akebia is said to have an analgesic and diuretic effect. It is said to protect the stomach and prevent urinary tract infections.
tips
The fruit is a culinary experience, even if it doesn't have any medical benefits.