The Monkey Puzzle tree is a total showstopper in any garden, and the best part? It’s actually pretty low-maintenance. If you have a female tree, you can use the seeds from its cones to grow even more of these exotic beauties. But here’s a question I get a lot: can you actually eat them? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about snacking on this unique conifer.
Are Monkey Puzzle tree seeds edible?
The short answer is yes! Once the female cones—which look like big green globes—ripen and break apart (usually after about a year), they drop seeds that are perfectly edible. These seeds are about 1.5 inches long and are packed with healthy fats and proteins. Just a heads-up: the pollen-producing “catkins” from the male trees aren’t for eating.
Can you really eat the fruit of an Araucaria?
You absolutely can. They aren’t toxic or harmful to humans at all. However, you’ll only find these tasty treats on the female flowers of this hardy, easy-to-care-for ornamental tree.
The Monkey Puzzle tree is surprisingly frost-resistant and overwinters well in many climates. Depending on the tree, you might see just female cones, just male cones, or both. The female ones sit upright on the branches like little spheres. After about a year, they naturally fall apart and release those prized seeds.
What do Monkey Puzzle seeds taste like?
These trees are native to South America (where they’re often called the Monkey Tail tree or Chilean Pine), and the seeds have a really unique flavor profile. Most people describe the taste as a delicious mix between a peanut and a potato.
Are they good for you?
Definitely! The seeds of the *Araucaria araucana* (that’s the fancy botanical name) are loaded with plant-based oils and proteins. They’re a healthy, nutritious snack that’s totally safe for humans to enjoy.
How do you prepare them?
Think of them like giant pine nuts. They’re fantastic as a crunchy topping for salads or tossed into warm savory dishes. If you toast them lightly in a pan, they become even more aromatic and smell amazing. They’re also great just to munch on as a snack!
Can I expect a quick harvest?
Here’s the catch: you’ll need some patience. A newly rooted Monkey Puzzle tree usually takes about 30 years before it blooms for the first time. Even once it starts flowering, it takes at least another year (sometimes longer) for the female cones to ripen and release the seeds. This is definitely a “slow food” project!
Pro Tip: Other edible exotic plants
The Monkey Puzzle tree isn’t the only “exotic” plant hiding a tasty secret. For example, the fruit of the Strawberry Tree is edible (in Portugal, they even turn it into a potent brandy!). You can also try the berries of the Caramel Bush—true to their name, they have a lovely, subtle caramel flavor.