Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora): Florida’s Ubiquitous Edible Hedge

The “Florida Cherry” You’ve Seen Everywhere

The bush with ribbed, pumpkin-shaped berries that ripen from green to red to deep purple/black is Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora), also called Florida Cherry.

Edibility and Uses

• Berries are edible when fully ripe (dark color), though slightly resinous.
• Seeds should not be eaten.
• Flavor improves with refrigeration and added sugar.
• Used for jams, jellies, pies, wine, and liqueur.

Children commonly eat them raw. Extremely common as hedges throughout South Florida.

— Identified by Susan