Yellow… Turkey Berry? You wonder why would I am writing about this Turkey Berry. But first, have you ever heard it? Have you tried eating it? Do you like it? Well, I decided to write about Turkey Berry since apparently I have one shrub growing in one of my container. I probably mistook it for aubergine seedling since it looks similar. Turkey Berry also known as other names like pea eggplant, devil’s fig, or mini eggplant is native to tropical America that has spread through West and Central Africa, South Asia, China, and South East Asia as well as Australia. It is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 16 feet tall. It has thorney woody stems with edible fruit clusters. In gardening world, it is used as rootstock for aubergines and tomatoes to enhance their resistance to pests and deseases. (I have never tried using it as rootstock yet; maybe I should give it a try.)
In Bali we call it KOKAK while other part of Indonesia (particularly in West Java, it is called TEKOKAK). As a kid I used to dislike it a lot. I disliked the bitter taste that linger so long in my mouth; however, as I grew older I began to eat it more and more for its health benefits. Do I like it now? NOPE, but still I eat for its benefits. Just like other plants that I used to dislike, beets is one of them, I still don’t like it but I would it anytime I have a chance for its health benefits and it’s good for my body. HAHAHA… After some reading, I found out that Turkey Berry has been used in culinary and medicinal world. I do know that it is edible and growing up side by side with nature I had lots of chances to eat it as a kid since my mother would stir fry or mix it with different greens for one of the source of fibres. Medicinal uses tho, it’s very new to me. I did not have the slightest idea that Turkey Berry is used to aid physical ailments, including high-blood pressure, digesstive issues, bacterial infections, even prevent and treat aenemia for its rich iron contents. It is also high source of calcium that can aid bones health.
In my village, Turkey Berry grows wildly, people can easily find this plant and pick its fruits to bring home. This is often I describe as living in abundance as the villagers are blessed with natural sources that accessable to anyone anytime. The villagers rarely have to buy their greens from the market since it is wildly available in nature, from turkey berry to vegetable ferns can be picked up and freshly cook to serve to their family. I believe I have mentioned that it is very common for us to stir fry young chili leaves too or young cassave leaves. If I have a chance, I would like to share many folks dishes that may or may not be new to you. Who knows it can inspires you to try or maybe even share some other unfamiliar dishes to other people (I would be very keen to know).
I will take good care for this Turkey Berry shrub, hopefully I’d be able to share some shots once it has its fruit clusters ready and maybe one or two my favourite way to enjoy them. Until then, take care…
xox
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