Can you guess what flavor this jelly is? — Not your average Florida Native!
Beautyberry is a common Florida native that is a major bird attractor. Not only does it feed over forty species of birds, but deer, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, and numerous small rodents snack on the tasty berries.
They are edible to humans as well but when eaten raw they have a strong perfumy flavor. However, if you turn them into a jelly, the sugar balances the flavor. Perfect for spreading on fresh baked biscuits.
In addition to providing food for wildlife, the leaves of the Beautyberry contain compounds that have pest-deterring properties. Crush up some leaves and rub them on your skin or make your own bug spray by boiling the leaves or soaking them in alcohol.
Will you try Beautyberry jelly?