Can you eat sloe berries?
Quick Answer
Yes
Sloe berries can be eaten, but they are extremely tart and astringent when raw and are typically used in making sloe gin or preserves.
What Is It?
Sloe berries are the fruit of the blackthorn bush, a relative of the plum. They are small, dark purple berries with a tart, astringent taste.
Historical Context
Sloe berries have been used for centuries in Europe for making sloe gin, a popular liqueur. They have also been used in traditional medicine for their astringent properties.
Why It Can Be Risky
While sloe berries are not toxic, eating them raw can cause stomach upset due to their high tannin content.
- Stomach upset: The high tannin content in raw sloe berries can cause stomach upset.
- Choking hazard: The small size and hard pit of sloe berries can pose a choking hazard, especially for children.
Safe Method?
Sloe berries are best consumed after they have been cooked or used to make liqueurs or preserves. This process breaks down the tannins and makes the berries more palatable.
Safe Alternatives
Other tart berries, such as cranberries or currants, can be used as alternatives to sloe berries in recipes.
Storage Tips
Fresh sloe berries should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a week.’, ‘Sloe berries can be frozen for longer storage.
Preparation Tips
Before using sloe berries, wash them thoroughly and remove the stems and leaves. If making sloe gin, freeze the berries first to break down the cell walls and release the juice.