Bastard Oleaster
bastard Oleaster has different varieties one of the most famous variety is Elaeagnus Latifolia {scientific name}. It is normally known by Bastard oleaster. It is a fruit that doesn’t have a name befitting a rock star but looks the part as well. But that’s not where its personality ends; if you cut one open, you’ll find an elongated seed sporting a bizarre, striped pattern.
Bastard oleaster mainly seems on street markets in the city of Guwahati but these are mainly found in Meghalaya. Bastard oleaster is known as very sour and somewhat astringent.
It has a slight tomato taste, which isn’t too much of a surprise given that these fruits are packed with lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes. In Northeast India, where it grows, the fruit is a popular street snack.
Cultivation of Bastard Oleaster
It is suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils also prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. It cannot grow in the shade.
The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. This fruit is being cultivated in Himalayas and Nepal. Now, this fruit has taken place in edible shrubs where you can get the detailed information regarding this fruit which is not usually provided by Google. According to one report, it is proved that Bastard oleaster is an edible herb.
Properties of Bastard Oleaster
| Edibility Rating | 3 rating |
| Medicinal Rating | 2 rating |
| Other Uses Rating | 2 rating |
| Habit | Deciduous Shrub |
| Height | 3.00 m |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Pollinators | Bees |
| Cultivation Status | Cultivated, Wild |
Edible Use of Bastard Oleaster
Plants for a future tells us that the “seed [is edible] raw or cooked. It can be eaten with the fruit though the seed case is rather fibrous.” I feel that the seed may be too tough to eat. So be careful! The color of the fruit is red-orange with white dots.
The size of the fruit is 2-4 cm, it is an oval shape. You cannot enjoy it fully ripen because somewhere it tastes astringent.
While you are enjoying it raw add salt according to your taste{Some people, who find the fruits too sour for their taste, mix a little salt with the fruits}. While you are enjoying it cooked you can add some green Chutney with a pinch of black salt it will definitely taste good.
Medicinal Uses of Bastard Oleaster
- a) The fruit is known as a good source of vitamin A, C, and E, and other bio-active compounds.
- b) It is also a good source of essential fatty acids.
- c) It is being investigated that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also very helpful in reducing the growth of cancer.
Other Uses of Bastard Oleaster
- a) The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as food and sometimes as a medicine.
- b) The wood of this plant is a good source of fuel.
- c) The flowers are astringent and cardiac.
- d) Pounded leaves squeezed and the juice drunk in water for urinary problems.
- e) You can also enjoy this fruit by making jam.
