Yes, the fruit of the curry tree (Murraya koenigii) is edible.
While curry leaves are more commonly used in cooking, the small, shiny black fruits produced by the curry tree are also edible, although with caution. Here's what you need to know:
-
Appearance: The fruits are small, round, and black when ripe.
-
Taste: They have a sweet, slightly sour flavor. Some describe it as having a medicinal aftertaste.
-
Consumption: The fruit can be eaten raw when fully ripe. However, it is important to proceed with caution, eating only a small quantity initially, as some individuals may experience mild digestive upset. They can also be used to make juices, jams, or chutneys.
-
Important Precaution: The seeds are considered poisonous and should be discarded before consumption. Only the flesh of the fruit should be eaten.
-
Nutritional Information: While not as extensively studied as the leaves, the fruits likely contain some antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
Therefore, while the fruit is technically edible, it’s far less popular than the leaves, and its consumption should be approached with awareness of the potential toxicity of the seeds.