Are hedge apples good for anything?

Hedge apples, also known as Osage oranges, are the fruit of the Osage orange tree (Maclura pomifera). They are green, bumpy, and grapefruit-sized. Hedge apples have a long history of folklore and traditional uses, but more recently scientists have been working to validate these uses.

What are hedge apples?

Hedge apples are the fruit of the Osage orange tree, which is native to the southeastern United States. They are green and bumpy, resembling a bright green orange. Hedge apples are grapefruit-sized and weigh around a pound each.

The Osage orange tree has historically been used as a natural fence because of its thick, thorny branches. This led to the common name of “hedge” apple. Osage orange wood is bright orange when freshly cut, leading to the other common name of Osage orange.

Traditional uses

Native Americans had many traditional uses for hedge apples. They used them as an insect repellent, keeping them in their homes or pressing them into holes in log cabins. The fruit was also used to treat a variety of ailments including snakebites, arthritis, and toothaches.

Hedge apples were thought to repel spiders and insects due to the chemical compounds present in the fruit and wood. Pioneers learned of these traditional uses from Native Americans and soon began using the fruits around their homes and barns for pest control.

Do hedge apples repel insects?

The use of hedge apples as an insect repellent has a long history, but does it really work? Recent scientific research has investigated this traditional claim.

Chemical compounds

Hedge apples contain a number of compounds that are repellent or toxic to insects:

  • Saponins: Soapy chemicals that can disrupt insect membranes.
  • Triterpenes: Bitter compounds that deter insects from eating the fruit.
  • Tetrahydrofuran: A toxic compound in the seeds.

These natural chemicals found in hedge apples may explain their traditional use as an insect repellent.

Studies on repellent ability

Several scientific studies have tested whether hedge apples actually repel household insects:

  • One study found that extracts made from hedge apples repelled and killed cockroaches.
  • Research on spider repellency had mixed results. One study found hedge apples repelled wolf spiders, while another found no effect on black widow spiders.
  • In field trials, placing hedge apples around foundations did not significantly reduce insects around homes.

The research indicates fresh hedge apples likely provide some repellent effects through the release of volatile chemicals, but the effects are localized. Overall, more research is still needed.

Other potential uses

Beyond insect repellency, scientists are also exploring other potential uses for hedge apples leveraging the fruit’s chemical makeup.

Medicinal applications

Extracts from hedge apples show antimicrobial activity against some bacteria and fungi in laboratory tests. The extracts may also have anti-inflammatory effects.

Researchers are interested in evaluating hedge apple extracts as natural alternatives to commercial antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. However, the extracts would need extensive testing and trials to prove safe and effective before being used medicinally.

Pesticide potential

The tetrahydrofuran compound found in hedge apples is highly toxic to insects but harmless to humans and other mammals.

Hedge apple extracts could potentially provide a natural pesticide for organic farming. However, it would again require much more research before being registered as a biopesticide.

Cancer research

Some of the triterpene chemicals found in hedge apples display anti-cancer effects in laboratory research. The compounds induce apoptosis (natural cell death) in certain cancer cell lines.

Scientists are studying how these hedge apple compounds target cancer cells to better understand their potential for new cancer drugs or treatments. But this research is still in the very early stages.

Are hedge apples edible?

Hedge apples are not typically considered edible. They have a sticky, milky interior and the taste is often described as bland.

Human consumption

The fruit is not toxic to humans, but it is not pleasant to eat raw due to the texture and mild taste. Historical accounts describe Native Americans occasionally eating hedge apples during famine to stave off starvation.

Some people do cook with hedge apples today after removing the seeds, but it takes significant processing to make the flesh palatable as food. Hedge apple jelly can be made but takes an immense amount of sugar to overcome the bland flavor.

Livestock feed

Hedge apples are sometimes fed to livestock, particularly cattle. However, their low protein and high fiber content make them a poor substitute for grain feed.

Cattle will eat hedge apples, but they provide minimal nutritional value. The fruits are 90% water and only contain around 2% protein. Feeding large quantities of hedge apples can also cause digestive upset in some animals.

Gardening uses

Beyond insect repellency, hedge apples don’t provide significant benefits in the garden. However, they can be utilized in a few unique ways by creative gardeners.

Decorations

The bright green fruits can be collected in autumn and used to decorate for Halloween or other fall events. Their unusual look and coloring make for interesting natural displays.

Rooting poinsettias

A common gardening trick involves impaling poinsettia cuttings on hedge apples to propagate them. The sap from the fruit supposedly helps the poinsettia cuttings root faster. However, there’s limited evidence that this works better than other methods.

Composting

Hedge apples can be composted like other garden waste. As they decompose, the nutrients are slowly released to enrich compost. The abundant seeds may result in seedlings sprouting in the compost, so frequent turning is recommended.

Are hedge apples good for anything? Conclusion

While hedge apples have intriguing traditional uses, there is still limited scientific evidence to support using them as insect repellents, medicines, or pesticides. The fruits do appear to contain unique bioactive compounds that warrant further research.

In the garden, hedge apples can provide novelty as decorations or propagation tricks. But they don’t have significant benefits as fertilizer or feed.

Hedge apples are probably not going to become the next superfruit. However, there may be potential to harness the chemicals within them for medicinal purposes down the road. More research is needed to determine if hedge apples are good for anything beyond folklore.

Hedge Apple Nutrition Facts

Macro and Micronutrients

Here is an overview of the key nutrients found in hedge apples (per 100g):

Nutrient Amount
Water 90.0g
Carbohydrates 8.5g
Fiber 5.0g
Protein 2.0g
Fat 0.3g
Vitamin C 20.0mg
Calcium 440mg
Iron 5.1mg

Hedge apples are mostly water and fiber. They contain minimal fats, proteins, and calories. The fruits provide some vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Phytochemicals

Hedge apples contain a variety of phytochemicals:

  • Saponins
  • Triterpenes
  • Tetrahydrofuran
  • Flavonoids

These plant chemicals are responsible for the insect repellent properties and possible medicinal benefits. However, more research is needed on their specific health effects for humans.

Potential Downsides of Hedge Apples

Although hedge apples are not toxic, there are some potential downsides to their use:

Allergies

People with latex allergies may also be allergic to hedge apples, as they contain latex-like proteins. Handling the fruits can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Choking hazard

The small seeds inside hedge apples could potentially pose a choking risk for children. Supervision is recommended if hedge apples are kept in homes with young kids.

Tree toxicity

While the fruit is not poisonous, the Osage orange tree itself is toxic. Ingesting any part of the tree other than the ripe fruit can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Wood toxicity

When burned, Osage orange wood releases toxins that can cause difficulty breathing and inflammation in those with sensitivity. Caution is advised when burning hedge apple wood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do hedge apples grow?

Hedge apples grow naturally only in the southeastern United States on Osage orange trees. However, they are sometimes found outside this range since the trees have been planted ornamentally and for fences.

When is hedge apple season?

Hedge apples ripen and fall to the ground in September and October in most regions. They can be picked up fresh during autumn. Rotting fruits on the ground are not usable.

How long do hedge apples last?

Fresh hedge apples typically last 2-3 months if kept in a cool, dry spot. The fruits slowly deteriorate and lose their structural integrity over time. Eventually they shrivel up completely.

Do hedge apples get rid of spiders?

There is some evidence that fresh hedge apples may repel or kill spiders when placed directly around them. However, the effects seem to be localized and temporary. Placing hedge apples around a foundation is unlikely to rid an entire house of spiders.

Are hedge apples poisonous to burn?

The wood, leaves, and stems of the Osage orange tree contain toxins that can be released through burning. Inhaling the smoke should be avoided. Safe burning requires good ventilation. The fruit itself does not release toxic fumes when burned.

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