Natal plum

Overview

Natal plum is the fruit of Carissa macrocarpa, a shrub native to the coastal regions of South Africa. The fruit is red when ripe, with a texture similar to a cranberry and a flavor that balances sweetness with a mild tartness. The plant is also known for its white, star-shaped flowers and thorny branches.

Origin and history

Carissa macrocarpa is native to the coastal bush of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa ^[1]. In Zulu, the fruit is called amatungulu, and in Afrikaans it is known as noem-noem ^[2]. The shrub is well adapted to coastal conditions, including salt-laden winds, and has been introduced to other warm-climate regions such as California, Australia, and parts of the Mediterranean. It is also grown as an ornamental hedge plant in many subtropical areas.

Varieties and aliases

• Large num-num (common English name in South Africa)
• Amatungulu (Zulu)
• Noem-noem (Afrikaans)
• Carissa grandiflora (a former scientific name, now considered a synonym)

Culinary uses

Natal plum is most often eaten fresh, though its small seeds and slightly astringent skin can be noticeable. The fruit is used to make jams, jellies, and syrups, particularly in South African home cooking. It can also be cooked into sauces or chutneys that pair with game meats. The unripe fruit is not typically eaten due to its latex content, which can be irritating.

Cross-cuisine context

Natal plum has no widely recognized analogue in Mexican cuisine. In texture and tartness, it is sometimes compared to the cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), though the two are botanically unrelated. In South African culinary tradition, the fruit is used in ways similar to how other tart berries are used in preserves and sauces.

Notes for cooks

• Ripe fruit should be deep red and slightly soft to the touch. Unripe fruit may be white or pink and should be avoided.
• The fruit contains small, flat seeds that are edible but can be crunchy.
• Natal plum can be substituted with cranberries or tart cherries in cooked preparations, though the flavor profile will differ.