We Eat Fruit & Veg, But How About Edible Trees For UK Gardens & Allotments? Which Can We Eat or Make Drinks From? That’s what this article is about .. and hint, it’s about more than fruit
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Here’s a list of edible trees that can be grown in the UK, going beyond just fruit. In it I’m considering leaves, flowers, bark, and other edible parts. These trees not only add beauty to your garden or allotment but also offer a unique and sustainable source of food. Some of them you will easily recognise, but some maybe unknown to you.
Let’s explore some fascinating options:
Lime Tree (Tilia spp.)
This one is well known to many people, though they may not eat it. I often see it in French street markets for sale to make a tisane.
Edible Parts: Young leaves, flowers.
Uses: Lime leaves are tender and slightly sweet, perfect for salads or as a wrap for steamed dishes. The fragrant flowers can be dried for herbal tea, known for its calming properties.
Why Grow It: A beautiful, fast-growing tree that provides shade and a delicate harvest.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
We all know Hawthorn, but have you ever eaten the young shoots and leaves?
Edible Parts: Leaves, flowers, berries (haws).
Uses: Young leaves, known as “bread and cheese,” are edible and slightly nutty. The flowers can be used in salads or infused into syrups. The berries make excellent jellies or wines.
Why Grow It: A hardy native tree that supports wildlife and offers multiple edible yields.
Elder (Sambucus nigra)
I used to make wine from the flowers and fruit. I should perhaps do so again.
Edible Parts: Flowers, berries.
Uses: Elderflowers are famous for cordials, syrups, and champagne. The berries can be cooked into jams, syrups, or wines (note: never eat raw elderberries as they are toxic uncooked).
Why Grow It: A versatile tree with a long history of culinary and medicinal use in the UK.
Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
There was a time when, in certain parts of the country, locals would have the right to graze their pigs on beech mast. The right is called pannage and is still practiced in the New Forest where up to 600 pigs are released each September to graze mast, acorns etc.
Edible Parts: Young leaves, nuts (beech mast).
Uses: The tender young leaves have a mild, citrusy flavour and are great in salads. The nuts can be roasted or pressed for oil.
Why Grow It: A majestic tree that adds grandeur to any landscape while providing a unique harvest.
Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
Another one for winemaking.
Edible Parts: Sap, leaves.
Uses: Birch sap can be tapped in early spring and drunk fresh or fermented into wine. Young leaves can be dried for tea or used fresh in salads.
Why Grow It: A graceful tree with a delicate aesthetic and a surprising edible yield.
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
This looks so good and its very tasty in syrups and liqueurs (especilly when robed in chocolate as a chocolate liqueur.
Edible Parts: Berries.
Uses: The bright red berries are bitter when raw but make excellent jellies, syrups, or liqueurs when cooked.
Why Grow It: A hardy tree with stunning autumn colour and wildlife benefits.
Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa)
Roasted on an open fire !
Edible Parts: Nuts.
Uses: The nuts are delicious roasted, boiled, or ground into flour for baking.
Why Grow It: A long-lived tree that provides a hearty, autumnal harvest.
Walnut (Juglans regia)
Best beaten to produce more nuts we are told. I’ll leave you to ponder that one!
Edible Parts: Nuts, young green nuts.
Uses: Mature nuts are a classic snack or baking ingredient. Young green walnuts can be pickled or used to make nocino, a traditional Italian liqueur.
Why Grow It: A stately tree that offers a rich, nutty harvest.
Pine (Pinus spp.)
Think retsina … it’s not to my taste though.
Edible Parts: Young needles, inner bark, pine nuts.
Uses: Pine needles can be steeped for tea or used to flavour syrups. The inner bark can be dried and ground into flour. Pine nuts are a gourmet ingredient in pesto and salads.
Why Grow It: A resilient tree with a unique, resinous flavour profile.
Mulberry (Morus spp.)
Such a special tree and fruit. The tree in the image is in our community food forest. We have two of them.
Edible Parts: Berries, young leaves.
Uses: The berries are sweet and juicy, perfect for eating fresh or making preserves. Young leaves can be cooked and used in dishes like dolmades.
Why Grow It: A delightful tree with a bountiful harvest and a touch of exotic charm.
Hazel (Corylus avellana)
We have just planted a hazel hedge. 30 yards of it in a double row. It should start fruiting in a few years. They can produce fruit (nuts)_ at 2-3 years but get into max production at 10 years.
Edible Parts: Nuts, young leaves.
Uses: Hazelnuts are a versatile ingredient for baking, snacking, or making nut butter. Young leaves can be used in salads or as a wrap for cooking.
Why Grow It: A compact, wildlife-friendly tree that’s perfect for smaller gardens.
Uses: The tart fruit is ideal for jellies, sauces, or cider. The flowers can be used to infuse syrups or vinegars.
Why Grow It: A hardy, ornamental tree that supports pollinators and provides a tangy harvest.
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)
These are worth fighting through the sharp spines to make gin from.
Edible Parts: Berries (sloes), flowers.
Uses: Sloes are famously used to make sloe gin or jam. The flowers can be used to flavour syrups or teas.
Why Grow It: A rugged, native tree that’s perfect for hedgerows and wilder gardens.
Willow (Salix spp.)
Wild aspirin is how some would describe it. But I’ve never seen foil wrapped tablets hanging from it.
Edible Parts: Inner bark.
Uses: The inner bark can be dried and ground into flour or used as a survival food. It’s also a source of salicin, the compound used to make aspirin.
Why Grow It: A versatile tree that thrives in wet conditions and offers unique edible uses.
Oak (Quercus spp.)
A quintessential English tree? Wonderful for wildlife, but we can eat it to. And if coffee prices go much higher it might again become popular.
Edible Parts: Acorns.
Uses: Acorns can be leached to remove tannins and then ground into flour for baking or used as a coffee substitute.
Why Grow It: A symbol of strength and longevity, with a surprising edible yield.
Fig (Ficus carica)
Such a versatile tree or shrub. I can’t remember not growing one in mu garden.
Edible Parts: Fruit, leaves.
Uses: The fruit is delicious fresh or dried. The leaves can be used to wrap dishes or infuse teas.
Why Grow It: A Mediterranean favourite that thrives in sheltered UK gardens.
Cherry (Prunus spp.)
The fruit of course … but have you ever used the flowers for flavour
Edible Parts: Fruit, flowers.
Uses: The fruit is a summer delight, while the flowers can be used to flavour syrups or vinegars.
Why Grow It: A beautiful tree that offers both ornamental and edible benefits.
Apple (Malus domestica)
I need say no more on this topic.
Edible Parts: Fruit, flowers.
Uses: Apples are a versatile fruit for eating fresh, cooking, or cider-making. The flowers can be used in teas or as a garnish.
Why Grow It: A classic choice for any garden, with countless varieties to suit your taste.
Plum (Prunus domestica)
We have two Victoria plums growing in our garden. Delicious.
Edible Parts: Fruit, flowers.
Uses: Plums are perfect for eating fresh, making jams, or baking. The flowers can be used in syrups or as a garnish.
Why Grow It: A reliable and productive tree that adds beauty and flavour to your garden.
Unusual Edible Trees For UK Growing
I promised some unusual trees in this list. So far you will probably have recognised all the ones I have written about. But the next one may well be new to you.
Atriplex (Tree Purslane, Atriplex halimus)
I have two of these. One in my garden and one about to be planted in our food forest.
Edible Parts: Leaves.
Uses: The leaves are salty and slightly tangy, making them a great addition to salads or as a cooked green. They can also be used as a seasoning or garnish.
Why Grow It: A hardy, drought-tolerant shrub that thrives in coastal areas and adds a unique flavour to your kitchen.
Japanese Raisin Tree (Hovenia dulcis)
This is the only tree in my list where the fruit stalks are eaten. Strange!
Edible Parts: Fruit stalks (not the actual fruit).
Uses: The fleshy fruit stalks are sweet and can be eaten fresh or dried, resembling raisins in flavour.
Why Grow It: An exotic and unusual tree that’s both ornamental and productive.
Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)
A very odd tree in my mind. The fruit is unusual and is never found in supermarkets.
Edible Parts: Fruit.
Uses: The fruit is edible but best when fully ripe, as it can be bland or slightly bitter otherwise. It can be eaten fresh, made into jams, or used in desserts.
Why Grow It: A stunning evergreen tree with year-round interest and unique fruit.
Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum)
A common road and street side tree in warmer parts of Europe. But it is possible to grow it in the UK.
Edible Parts: Flowers, young seed pods.
Uses: The flowers are mildly sweet and can be added to salads or used as a garnish. The young seed pods can be cooked and eaten like peas.
Why Grow It: A beautiful ornamental tree with surprising edible uses.
Siberian Pea Tree (Caragana arborescens).
I don’t know this tree myself but it is nitrogen fixing so worth considering.
Edible Parts: Young seed pods, seeds.
Uses: The young pods can be eaten raw or cooked, while the mature seeds can be cooked and used like peas or lentils.
Why Grow It: A hardy, nitrogen-fixing tree that’s great for permaculture gardens.
Chilean Guava (Ugni molinae)
I see guavas in the UK. Often they fruit but I never see the fruit mature.
Edible Parts: Berries.
Uses: The berries are sweet and aromatic, perfect for eating fresh, making jams, or flavouring desserts.
Why Grow It: A compact, evergreen shrub that’s ideal for smaller gardens or containers.
Medlar (Mespilus germanica)
There is a medlar growing near my home. Maybe it’s time to have one in the garden.
Edible Parts: Fruit.
Uses: The fruit is eaten when bletted (softened), and has a sweet, spiced flavour. It’s great for jellies, desserts, or eating fresh.
Why Grow It: A historic and unusual fruit tree with a unique flavour.
Service Tree (Sorbus domestica)
Common, but not commonly eaten
Edible Parts: Fruit.
Uses: The fruit can be eaten when bletted or used to make jams, jellies, or alcoholic beverages.
Why Grow It: A rare and ornamental tree with a fascinating history.
Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas)
Normally grown as an ornamental around here.
Edible Parts: Fruit.
Uses: The tart, cherry-like fruit is excellent for jams, syrups, or liqueurs. It can also be eaten fresh when fully ripe.
Why Grow It: A hardy, early-flowering tree that’s both ornamental and productive.
Juneberry (Amelanchier spp.)
This flowers early in my garden but the birds always beat me to the few fruit. I must pay attention and get there first.
Edible Parts: Berries.
Uses: The berries are sweet and can be eaten fresh, used in baking, or made into jams and jellies.
Why Grow It: A versatile tree with beautiful spring blossoms and delicious fruit.
Black Mulberry (Morus nigra)
Black and white mulberries are gown in the UK. Only one is suitable for silkworms!
Edible Parts: Berries.
Uses: The berries are rich and sweet, perfect for eating fresh, making preserves, or flavouring desserts.
Why Grow It: A long-lived tree with a decadent harvest.
Chinese Dogwood (Cornus kousa)
Kousa is such lovely name .. I love it. What’s the derivation? Is it as simple as kousa is Japanese for dogwood?
Edible Parts: Fruit.
Uses: The fruit is sweet and custard-like, perfect for eating fresh or using in desserts.
Why Grow It: A stunning ornamental tree with an unexpected edible yield.
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
Not one I have personally grown.
Edible Parts: Fruit.
Uses: The fruit has a tropical flavour, reminiscent of banana and mango. It’s great for eating fresh or using in desserts.
Why Grow It: A unique and exotic tree that’s surprisingly hardy in the UK.
Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)
This grows wild in some parts. Near the coast off course.
Edible Parts: Berries.
Uses: The tart, orange berries are rich in vitamin C and can be used in juices, jams, or skincare products.
Why Grow It: A hardy, nitrogen-fixing shrub that’s perfect for coastal or poor soils.
Quince (Cydonia oblonga)
This is the true quince. Not the Chaenomeles or flowering quince. Though that can also be eaten.
Edible Parts: Fruit.
Uses: The fruit is aromatic and can be cooked into jellies, pastes, or desserts.
Why Grow It: A beautiful, fragrant tree with a versatile harvest.
Olive (Olea europaea)
Mine rarely fruits. I must do better!
Edible Parts: Fruit.
Uses: Olives can be cured and eaten, or pressed for oil. They’re a staple of Mediterranean cuisine.
Why Grow It: A hardy evergreen tree that thrives in sheltered UK gardens.
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)
An exotic that I have yet to try. We are about to plant one in our food forest. It is hardy down to -10C but prefers a sheltered location with full sun and well-drained soil.
Edible Parts: Fruit.
Uses: The fruit is sweet and tangy, perfect for eating fresh or using in desserts.
Why Grow It: A subtropical tree that can be grown in milder parts of the UK.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
We have several Gingko growing locally in parks and gardens. I must look for the fruit and nuts.
Edible Parts: Nuts (inside the fruit).
Uses: The nuts are a delicacy in Asian cuisine, often roasted or used in soups. Note: The flesh of the fruit is toxic and should not be eaten.
Why Grow It: A prehistoric tree with unique edible uses and stunning autumn foliage.
Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria araucana)
I think this an ugly tree. Though many love it.
Edible Parts: Seeds.
Uses: The large seeds can be roasted and eaten, similar to pine nuts.
Why Grow It: A striking and unusual tree with a fascinating history.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)
I use tamarind pulp in many Indian dishes. So I see a purpose for this tree.
Edible Parts: Fruit pulp.
Uses: The pulp is tangy and sweet, used in sauces, chutneys, and drinks.
Why Grow It: A tropical tree that can be grown in conservatories or as a potted plant in the UK.
Uses: The sap can be fermented into palm wine, and the seeds are edible when roasted.
Why Grow It: A majestic and unusual palm that’s surprisingly hardy in the UK.
Paper Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera)
An edible that produces fibre!
Edible Parts: Fruit.
Uses: The fruit is sweet and can be eaten fresh or used in desserts.
Why Grow It: A fast-growing tree with multiple uses, including fibre production.
Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
I love the name .. Black Locust. It sounds exotic.
Edible Parts: Flowers.
Uses: The fragrant flowers can be eaten raw, fried, or used to make syrups and teas.
Why Grow It: A hardy tree with beautiful, fragrant blossoms.
Chinese Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida)
Hawthorn sounds common or garden. But this is Chinese hawthorn. Unusual. An essential for desserts such as tanghulu and shanzhagao. Both are made with haws and sugar.
Edible Parts: Fruit.
Uses: The fruit is tart and can be used in jams, jellies, or traditional Chinese snacks.
Why Grow It: A unique and ornamental tree with a tangy harvest.
OK, so that is more than 40, I just got carried away and spoilt for choice. However, these common and unusual edible trees offer a wealth of flavours, textures, and culinary possibilities. Whether you’re looking for something exotic, historic, or simply different, there’s an edible tree to suit your garden and your palate. Happy growing and foraging! 🌳😊
