Are Pond Apples Edible?

Pond Apple does not tolerate cold weather, and grows no farther north than Brevard County on Florida's east coast and Manatee on the west. The fruit is edible, though its culinary value is debatable. Native Americans made jelly from it, but others say the fruit is bitter.

Can humans eat pond apple?

The fruits can be eaten, but most think they are not particularly tasty. According to one description, the fruit “has a strong smell, resembling ether, a special flavor, giving a hint of menthol.” Be suspicious of any- thing described as “special.” In Florida we know the tree and its fruit as pond apple.

Are pond apple seeds poisonous?

The fruit has a sweet aroma and the pulp is fleshy, mealy, and pithy. The flesh is yellow/orange in color and is filled with more than 100 dark-colored seeds within. The seeds are poisonous, and powder from the seeds have been known to blind people.