Eating berries growing on cedar trees is generally not recommended. While some types of cedars do produce edible berries, there are a few important factors to consider before consuming them.
Identifying the Type of Cedar
There are many varieties of cedar trees, some of which produce toxic or unpalatable berries. The most common types of cedar found in North America include:
- Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) – Produces blue berries that are technically edible when completely ripe, but are often bitter and unpalatable
- Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) – Cones and foliage are toxic to humans
- Incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) – Not known to produce edible berries
- Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) – Produces small cones with seeds, not fleshy berries
- Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) – Seeds may be mildly toxic
As you can see, not all cedar species produce edible berries. Even the eastern red cedar, which can produce blue berries, has fruits that are often distasteful. So the first step in determining if cedar berries are edible is identifying what type of cedar tree they come from.
Degree of Ripeness
For berries from edible cedar species like eastern red cedar, the degree of ripeness is very important. Unripe cedar berries contain higher concentrations of potentially toxic compounds like tannins. As the berries ripen, these substances begin to break down. Fully ripe cedar berries are the least likely to cause harm if consumed.
Ripe cedar berries will feel soft and plump when gently squeezed. Unripe fruits will be hard and green. The berries change color as they ripen, going from green to shades of blue or glaucous gray at maturity. Use color as a guideline for ripeness, and always do a squeezing test before eating cedar berries.
Potential for Allergic Reactions
Some people may be allergic to compounds found in cedar berries. Reactions can include gastrointestinal upset, skin rashes, and respiratory distress. Because of this, it’s recommended to eat just a couple berries at first to see if any adverse effects occur before consuming larger quantities.
Additionally, people with known allergies to cypress or juniper may be cross-reactive to cedar. Those with plant allergies should exercise particular caution with cedar berries.
Amount Consumed
As with many wild foods, cedar berries are generally safe to eat in modest quantities but can cause problems if too many are consumed. Issues like diarrhea and vomiting can occur if very large amounts of cedar berries are eaten, especially if they are not completely ripe.
For fully ripe eastern red cedar berries, a reasonable portion is around 15-30 berries. Let your body’s signals be your guide, and stop eating them if you start to feel unwell or nauseous.
Preparation Methods
Proper preparation of cedar berries can also reduce risks associated with consumption. Here are some recommended ways to process and eat cedar berries:
- Wash thoroughly to remove dirt, sap, and insect residue on the outside of berries
- Cook berries by boiling, baking, or drying to destroy toxins
- Soak berries in several changes of water to leach some harsh compounds
- Consume berries with other foods instead of alone to dilute potential irritants
Preparation methods like cooking or soaking can make cedar berries safer and more palatable to eat. Steer clear of eating cedar berries raw in large amounts.
Potential Benefits
Are there any benefits to risking the potential adverse effects of cedar berries? Possibly. Some sources indicate eastern red cedar berries may have the following attributes:
- Rich in vitamin C
- Contain antioxidants
- Modest amounts of protein and carbohydrates
- Small amounts of calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium
- May help treat cough and congestion due to antimicrobial compounds
However, these potential benefits have not been confirmed by extensive research. Given the risks, cedar berries should not be viewed as a highly nutritious food. The possible benefits they offer can be easily obtained from safer food sources.
Risks Outweigh Potential Benefits
When weighing the potential risks versus benefits, consuming cedar berries is generally not recommended. The dangers posed include:
- Gastrointestinal illness
- Toxic reactions
- Allergic responses
- Injury due to sharp branches when harvesting
And the possible benefits are minor at best:
- Modest nutrition
- Unverified medicinal properties
Given these factors, the relatively minor possible gains do not offset the risks. There are far safer wild edibles and nutritional food sources to explore.
Foraging Ethics
There are also ethical considerations around foraging cedar berries. Cedar trees are slow growing and can take a long time to recover from overharvesting. Indiscriminate gathering of cedar berries can harm local ecosystems.
It’s best to avoid taking berries from small or struggling trees. And never harvest from trees on protected land or private property without clear permission. Foraging sustainably means only gathering what you need and ensuring the survival of the plants.
Conclusion
Based on the available evidence, consuming cedar berries cannot be recommended. The potential risks outweigh the minor possible benefits for most people. Exceptions may include experienced foragers who have specifically identified an edible cedar species, tested their personal tolerance, and prepared the berries properly.
Additionally, sustainable harvesting principles should always be followed when gathering plant foods from the wild. While not outright toxic, cedar berries offer relatively little reward for the dangers they can pose.
For a tasty wild edible experience with less risk, seek out berries from well-established edible species like blackberries, raspberries, serviceberries, or currants instead. Or consult an experienced foraging guide if you wish to learn more about safely identifying and eating wild plants.
In summary, it is not recommended to eat blue berries growing on cedar trees due to uncertainties about edibility between species, preparation methods required for safety, and the ethics of harvesting from slow-growing trees. For most people, the minimal benefits do not justify the potential consequences of consuming cedar berries.
Additional References
For further information, please refer to the following resources:
- Bower, A., et al. (2017). The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods. Gibbs Smith.
- Kirk, D. (1975). Wild Edible Plants of Western North America. Naturegraph Publishers.
- Knopf, J. (2011). Pacific Northwest Foraging. Timber Press.
- Meuninck, J. (2016). Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Rockies. Mountain Press Publishing.
- Tilford, G. (2017). Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West. Mountain Press Publishing.
These books contain additional information on cedar trees, including details on identification, distribution, preparation methods, and foraging ethics.
Foraging Groups
Connect with knowledgeable foragers through clubs, associations, and social media groups such as:
- Wild Foodies of Washington/Oregon/Idaho/British Columbia (Facebook group)
- Vancouver Island Mycological Society (Meetup group)
- Alberta Mycological Society
- Central Oregon Mushroom Club
- North American Mycological Association
These organizations may offer foraging classes, guided identification walks, workshops, and newsletters. Getting involved can help deepen your knowledge and foraging expertise over time.
Final Verdict
Cedar berries are best avoided by most people. While certain types of cedars produce technically edible berries, the risks tend to outweigh potential benefits for most foragers. Exercise extreme caution and only consume cedar berries that you have conclusively identified as edible if you choose to eat them.