Can You Eat Magnolia Seeds?

Magnolia seeds are not edible for humans but some animals. Birds and squirrels eat the seeds. They have a sweet, pleasant taste at first. After a second bite, it tastes like gasoline. There is a pale tan nutmeat within the seeds surrounded by a red shellac coat.

Unlike many other seeds, magnolia seeds are oval and bright red. They measure approximately 2 mm in length and 1 mm in width. They have a smooth surface and are encased in a tough shell that must be removed before use.

However, even though they are not edible in the traditional sense, they served their original purpose of propagation. The stratification process is required for magnolia seeds before they can germinate, and this process is described in detail here. Combine the seeds in a container filled with moist sand and thoroughly mix them. You should be able to squeeze the sand without it becoming so wet that water drips from the palm of your hand.

Magnolia seeds are located in follicles, which are substantial cone-shaped fruits produced by the trees and contain the vast majority. It is possible to harvest the seed when the follicles open up and show the seed, which is generally red and wrapped in a waxy covering, and utilize it as a vegetable once it has been collected. After harvesting, the seeds are steeped in water for three days to release the seed coat and eliminate any leftover contaminants before being used.

While you’re ready to grow a magnolia tree from seed, you should sow the seeds in the spring when the weather is warm. You may either plant straight into the ground or use containers to hold the plants. Seeds should be covered with approximately 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) of soil when they are first planted, and they should be watered frequently until the seedlings sprout. An additional layer of mulch around the magnolia seedling will assist in the retention of moisture in the soil while it is developing. In addition, throughout their first year of development, young seedlings will need shelter from direct sunlight to thrive.

Is the Seed of the Magnolia Poisonous?

Southern magnolia seedpods have red seeds, which are just as striking as star magnolia seed pods, which are orange. The seeds are eaten by various wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and other small mammals. The seeds of star magnolia are not harmful to humans or animals, either cats or dogs. However, since they are not naturally part of the diet, attempting to feed your seed to your dog or cat can cause blockage to the intestinal tract.

What Part of a Magnolia Tree Can Be Consumed?

Magnolia blossoms, for example, maybe used in dishes since they are entirely edible and have a taste that is quite similar to how they smell. Only the flower petals are pickled and eaten as a pickle instead of raw in Japan. The flowery taste goes well with the sweetness added to the dish. Thus pickling them in a sweet and sour pickle recipe is advised. Traditionally, the petals of these pickled flowers are chopped and used as a flavoring element in salads and other meals. Honey, syrups, and other dessert dishes may all benefit from the addition of a few diced fresh rose petals.

Other Magnolia Tree Parts

Bark

Chinese medicine says that the tree’s bark can help with rheumatism and malaria, so it can help people with dyspepsia, dysentery, diarrhea, and occasional fevers. To cure bug bites, rashes, and blisters, a decoction is produced and used as a wash and bath. When you want to make a decoction to drink, all you need to do is get some bark, mix it with some water, and let it simmer until it’s reduced by one-fourth (about 15 minutes). Then let the decoction sit for a while to cool down and strain it. To extend its shelf life, store it in the fridge for up to 72 hours before using.

One cup of magnolia tea a day is enough for this plant to stay alive and well. Boil water and one tablespoon of bark together for 10 minutes to make a syrup. Then, remove from the heat. Before applying it to your skin or any other area of your body, let it cool to room temperature. Some sources say that the bark can also be soaked in alcohol and help stimulate the respiratory system and lower blood pressure.

Leaves

It is the easiest way to enjoy the beauty of this tree and the sweetness of the sweetbay magnolia. Like you would use a bay leaf, you can use a leaf to flavor soups and other dishes. Even though the leaves are big, it is usually best to cut them into smaller pieces when using them because they have a strong taste and are so big. When making tea, sweetbay magnolia leaves should be cut into small pieces so that their sweetness doesn’t overwhelm the taste of the tea. To make your wild tea taste better, add a regular or green tea bag to the herbs. It will help all wild teas taste better. It has been thought that drinking magnolia bark tea can help people addicted to tobacco. It can be used for a long time with no known side effects.