Yes—if you have a Serviceberry (specifically the Juneberry or Shadblow variety) in your yard, you can absolutely snack on those berries right off the branch! There’s just one little thing to keep in mind regarding the seeds.
Leaves and Seeds Contain Cyanogenic Glycosides
While the fruit itself is delicious and totally safe, the seeds and leaves contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides (which can release hydrogen cyanide). Now, don’t panic! Since the seeds are designed by nature to pass through your system undigested so the plant can spread, eating a few raw berries isn’t usually an issue. However, if you want to be extra careful, your best bet is to cook them. If you whip up a batch of jam, the heat from the boiling process neutralizes those compounds, making them perfectly safe to enjoy.
A Versatile Treat in the Kitchen
In some places, these trees are nicknamed “Juneberries” or even “Currant Trees” because the dried fruits make a fantastic substitute for currants in baking and cooking. As for the flavor? Most people describe them as juicy and sweet with a really unique twist—they have a distinct hint of marzipan or almond! Because of that lovely flavor profile, you can use them in all sorts of ways. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use them in the kitchen:
- Homemade Jam
- Fresh Juice
- Fruit Liqueur
- Serviceberry Tea (using dried berries)
Wait for the Perfect Ripeness
To get a bumper crop, it’s important to pick the right spot in your garden where the plant can really thrive. Also, a quick pro-tip: take it easy on the pruning. These trees aren’t huge fans of radical haircuts and prefer a lighter touch.
When it comes to harvest time, patience is a virtue. You’ll be competing with the local birds—who absolutely love these berries—but try to wait as long as you can. The flavor is so much better when the berries have turned from red to a deep, dark purple or bluish-black. Trust me, that extra sweetness is worth the wait!
