Fruits are essential to humans and animals, and humans plant most of them. However, each continent has its indigenous fruits.
These fruits recover quickly from pests and diseases and are more receptive to drought. Several continents, like Latin America and Asia, also have beautiful indigenous fruits.
People should learn to protect all indigenous plants because we are losing their diversity, which is affecting the nutritional standards of the continent’s residents.
However, in this article, we’ll discuss the edible fruits native to North America.
1. Grapes
Grapes are the fruits of the flowering plant genus Vitis, which grows on deciduous woody vines. This native fruit can be consumed in a variety of ways.
People use it to make grape juice, wine, vinegar, etc. Not all grapes are native to North America, though. California and South America produce most of the table grapes consumed in the United States.
These seedless grapes have milder flavors than most table grape types cultivated in the eastern United States. Grapes grown in the United States are a natural reservoir of genetic resources.
Also, people use grapes to develop interspecific hybrids, which improve planted grapevines worldwide.
2. American Persimmons
American Persimmons are among the fruits that are native to North America. Though we can get persimmons in Asia, there is a variety named Diospyros virginiana native to North America.
Most of these small fruits are orange, but you can have some delicious golden yellow and red. However, when deer and other wildlife come across this edible fruit, they consider it a treat.
The first settlers used this fruit as a tea ingredient, which healed them of most ailments.
Also, you’ll enjoy persimmons mostly when eaten fresh or used to bake goods. Persimmon trees are primarily found in a gardener’s yard.
3. Cranberries
Cranberries are essential sources of nutrients. People can enjoy them in several ways, including juice and sauce, and you’ll find this native plant in the Northeastern parts of North America.
When European colonists landed in North America, they discovered cranberries, which became their primary food source. Sometimes, they make sauce from these cranberries or season them for other meals.
Also, they used cranberries to dye clothes and treat several illnesses. Though cranberries benefit health, they can become harmful if consumed excessively.
4. Mayhaws
Mayhaws are fruits native to North America. They are also known as May hawthorns.
The fruit got its name because it gets ripe in May. However, they are native to Louisiana in North America. These fruits are round and small, and you’ll find them growing on thorny trees.
These fruits are easy to plant in Louisiana because the area has several swampy areas. Not many people like the taste of this fruit, but it has many other benefits, including making jelly.
5. PawPaws
Pawpaw is a tropical fruit that belongs to the custard apple family. The pawpaw tree has enormous simple leaves and large fruit, and it is a member of the pawpaw family.
It is native to eastern North America, where people also refer to it as Asimina. Pawpaw grows primarily in temperate climates and is in large quantities in the woods with relative ease.
Pawpaw is a fruit that looks similar to tropical fruits, and it has been referenced multiple times in association with historical individuals.
Ripe pawpaw is a fruit that can be eaten raw, and its pulp can be used to make ice cream, baked items, and even beer.
6. Berries
The broad berry family includes strawberries, juneberries, blueberries, etc. Though blueberries are the most popular among the other berries, they are all native to North America.
The Native Americans taught the first settlers in North America how to make dishes with berries, including how to preserve and combine them.
Although the berries you’ll find at the store are bigger than the ones growing outside, all are still berries.
7. Black Cherries
The most common native cherry in the eastern United States is the black cherry. North American cherries come in a variety of varieties.
Two popular varieties are the black cherry and the Chokecherry. A wild cherry species native to Europe is also available.
On the other hand, people prefer to eat this fruit as a snack while drinking. The wood of the black cherry tree is more famous than the fruit itself.
These woods are excellent for plank cooking and give fish and meat a pleasant, woody flavor.
