Carpobrotus edulis has a good, balanced nutritional profile.
The succulent leaves are a strong antioxidant.
They can be pickled but can be astringent if harvested incorrectly.
The juice is antiseptic.
Hottentot fig has been shown to have anti-neuronflammatory properties, and may add to the improvement of cognitive functions.
The fruit has a sourish taste.
Eaten raw, preserved, dried and as a jam.
It also makes an extraordinary syrup.
In South Africa, where it is native, the dried fruits are sold in markets as food.
Fruits are best when they feel like they are going over.
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I South Africa they are known as “vytjie”
“vye” being the afrikaans word for figs and if you add the suffix “tjie” to any word such as the word “potjie” it is diminutive as in small pot! or small fig. The juice as you call it is more of a gel really and works just as well as arnica if not better when applied to burns, sun burn, cuts and abrasions. simply snap off one of the fleshy leaves and apply straight onto wound if you are out in the wild in South Africa or funnily enough in St Michael’s where I found them while on holiday in Cornwall. I did not pick them as they were growing down a sea front wall. They like the sea air so you are most likely only going to find them growing well in coastal towns. Wish now that I had picked some. haven’t seen this growing anywhere in Northumberland but then again, hardly get out to the coast very much. ;-(
Btw. small tip, I wouldn’t go around calling them “Hottentots fig” as the word Hott….. is considered racist or used as a derogatory term for a group of South African indigenous people called the Khoikhoi.
That’s just my opinion on the matter, take it or leave it but thought it might be worth mentioning it. Peace
Many plants have names that can be considered racists according to today’s” politically correct society” I for one do not take offense when one uses the name for Tradescantia Zebrina….”Wandering Jew”…
Hello Michael.
I am getting into weeds. I eat dandelion flowers every day.
Just read your bit on Vytjies as I have them in abundance in my garden. “Fruits are best when they feel like they are going over”
Would you please explain this sentence as I done understand. I think it may be ripen. I have never, ever heard of them as being called Hottentots fig and I live here in S.A.
Lol who said Hott is an offesive word?? I live in South Africa and they are called Hottentots….even they themselves (the remaining few call themselves that….in any case this plant is very good in throat infections as well…we commonly use it for tonsils and throat irritations/infections, simply chew on a few leaves (disgusting as they are) and swallow the “juice” it works like magic
I South Africa they are known as “vytjie”
“vye” being the afrikaans word for figs and if you add the suffix “tjie” to any word such as the word “potjie” it is diminutive as in small pot! or small fig. The juice as you call it is more of a gel really and works just as well as arnica if not better when applied to burns, sun burn, cuts and abrasions. simply snap off one of the fleshy leaves and apply straight onto wound if you are out in the wild in South Africa or funnily enough in St Michael’s where I found them while on holiday in Cornwall. I did not pick them as they were growing down a sea front wall. They like the sea air so you are most likely only going to find them growing well in coastal towns. Wish now that I had picked some. haven’t seen this growing anywhere in Northumberland but then again, hardly get out to the coast very much. ;-(
Btw. small tip, I wouldn’t go around calling them “Hottentots fig” as the word Hott….. is considered racist or used as a derogatory term for a group of South African indigenous people called the Khoikhoi.
That’s just my opinion on the matter, take it or leave it but thought it might be worth mentioning it. Peace
Point taken Michael – I’ll remember that in future. Thanks for making me aware. In future, I will use one of its alternative common names – Iceplant.
Ice plant is my favourite other name.
Many plants have names that can be considered racists according to today’s” politically correct society” I for one do not take offense when one uses the name for Tradescantia Zebrina….”Wandering Jew”…
It’s easy to be respectful. Ice plant? Sour fig?
Hello Michael.
I am getting into weeds. I eat dandelion flowers every day.
Just read your bit on Vytjies as I have them in abundance in my garden. “Fruits are best when they feel like they are going over”
Would you please explain this sentence as I done understand. I think it may be ripen. I have never, ever heard of them as being called Hottentots fig and I live here in S.A.
William – What I meant by “Fruits are best when they feel like they are going over”, is when they feel almost over-ripe. So you did understand 😉
I would like to know if it helps for bloodsuger and if so how much is needed. Also for abcess problems
Lol who said Hott is an offesive word?? I live in South Africa and they are called Hottentots….even they themselves (the remaining few call themselves that….in any case this plant is very good in throat infections as well…we commonly use it for tonsils and throat irritations/infections, simply chew on a few leaves (disgusting as they are) and swallow the “juice” it works like magic
Hi Robin,
I’ve read on a few websites that Carpobrotus edulis fruits do not ripen in the U.K, could you tell me if this is true please?
Thankyou
Not true at all. They become very ripe down in the South West of Britain. Maybe right up North they might not.
Great, I thought this may be the case. Thank you for your quick reply!
Slight difference, Jew in the name used by Jews. Its mor like saying Nig…. in America.