California Fan Palm Fruit
Discover the Sweet, Edible Fruit
of California's Native Fan Palm

Ever wondered about California fan palm fruit?

Maybe you've seen it on the fruit stems (infructescences), high up near fan-shaped leaves. That's a reason it can come to mind.

Have you debated if they're snackable, or useful as fruit in cooking recipes?

Yes is the answer!

This humble fruit has been a vital food source for centuries. With a unique, sweet flavor, it brings exciting possibilities for the adventurous kitchen.

Let's investigate what we should know about the California Fan Palm Tree's Fruit Production. 

Have You Noticed the California Fan Palm Fruit?

This fruit, from the palm with the scientific name: Washingtonia filifera, could be considered an exotic fruit! The only palm native to the deserts of southern California & western Arizona. Other common names are Desert Fan Palm & Petticoat Palm. Also called the American Cotton Palm.

A shorter "cousin" to the Mexican Fan Palm, with the botanical name: Washingtonia robusta. Those Very Tall Palm Trees, Well-Known in Los Angeles.

What does this fruit look like?

First, numerous branching flower clusters grow out amidst the crown starting in early spring. Producing variable white to off-white or cream-colored flowers. Once flowers are pollinated, fruits begin developing in early summer.

The red-black fruit is classified as a drupe. Meaning they contain a single seed surrounded by fleshy pulp (think of a peach or plum) & don't split open when ripe. The California Fan Palm Tree has hard seeds, taking up about half the inner contents.

California Fan Palm trees produce round or oblong small fruits.

Typically measuring close to 1/2 inch (1.3cm). They show themselves in multiply branched clusters, kind-of like grapes do.

California Fan Palm Fruit in Joshua National Park
The infructescence sagging below the leaf crown.

By the end of September the red-black fruit color means they're ripe. Then these fan palm fruits drop to the ground between November & January.

If you catch sight of any part of this fruit production process, you may find it intriguing.

Is the California Fan Palm Fruit Edible?

Yes, it definitely can be eaten. Would you chance to try it? We haven't yet, but plan to do so sometime soon.

Because a friend of ours has this large fan palm in her front yard. We featured its harrowing story in our newsletter "The Palm Species Navigator." [See What It's About>] When we give the California Fan Palm Tree fruit a taste, we'll give our take on it!

What Do Washingtonia filifera Palm Fruits Taste Like?

People say the California fan palm fruit gives you a unique taste experience. After eating, you'd throw away the palm seeds, if you don't plan on Growing It into a Palm!

The edible pulp isn't thick like a nectarine. It's fairly thin. This palm tree fruit is known to be pretty sweet, reminiscent of caramel. 

Tastes similar to these fruits of the Edible Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera).

Native Americans Valued This Fan Palm Tree Fruit

A gorgeous one is Near Palm Springs, California. Palm Canyon is supervised by the Agua Caliente Band of the Cahuilla Nation. It's been their traditional lands since time immemorial.

Palm Canyon in Southern California
With its stunning grove of Washingtonia filifera

OTHER NATIONS USE THE FRUIT OF THESE CALIFORNIA PALMS

California's Kamia (Kamiyai) Nations of the Imperial Valley & Cahuilla Indians, plus the Cocopa Nation in Arizona historically noted this Washingtonia filifera palm with it's fruits. Trying it, they found it palatable. Devising ways to use it for food.

It's fine as is, small fruits eaten as a snack or part of a meal. But Native Peoples also crushed the pulp for juice. They dried them for preserving. Or after drying, they crushed & ground it into flour-like meal. Leaving it in a more coarse texture, they fed this to livestock.

The Cahuilla People were known to grind the fruit's seeds into a semi-solid mash. Similar to oatmeal.

A Prized Treat for Local Wildlife, Too

Humans aren't the only ones who recognize the value of this fruit. For many desert animals, from coyotes to birds, the annual fruit drop is an important source of nutrition.

Bird Like the California Fan Palm Fruit

Many southwestern species of birds eat the fruit.

Most only pick at the fleshy part for eating, leaving the seed alone. But some bird species consume the small fruit & seed together.

• In particular Cedar Waxwings, Western Bluebirds & Mountain Bluebirds do this.
• After digesting the pulp of these fan palm fruits, seeds are spread through their droppings. And more filifera Palms grow.

It's Also a Coyote Favorite

By autumn the California Fan Palm Tree Fruit has ripened. That's when they fall to the ground. Coyotes make it their prime food source at that time of year.

Dusk: The time of day when animals begin to look for the fruits of this palm.

Still More Animals Scavenge for This Fruit

Many other local animals enjoy the California Fan Palm Fruit's benefits.

• The southwestern Gray Fox also finds it on the ground. They'll definitely have a bite!
• Rodents are known to nest amidst dead fronds covering the massive gray trunk. They're quite willing to climb up or down to access the fruit.
• Squirrels also happen upon it. They'll eat the fruit, and sometimes store the seed.

Is the California Fan Palm Fruit Recipe Worthy?

Nutritional Facts for California Fan Palm Fruit

The nutritional value for the fruit is comparable to some other fruits.

But some say It's A Superfood!

About 1/2 cup (100g) has 348 calories. But that's along with eating the seeds, which you're unlikely to do, we think! 😏

When it comes to nutritional value, the California fan palm fruit is a little powerhouse for some essentials. For the fruit's small size, it's packed with dietary fiber, carotene, phosphorus & iron. It contains some vitamin C. It also has trace amounts of minerals such as calcium, thiamine, riboflavin & niacin.

While nutritional analyses often include the seed (which you wouldn't eat), the pulp itself is the source of the dietary fiber. And there's even a bit of protein.

Recipe & Snack Ideas for California Fan Palm Fruit

Looking for a new ingredient to liven up your recipes?

Washingtonia filifera fruit may be a creative choice. After cleaning, serve it raw as a pretty nutritious snack. The high fiber content is good for your gut, while warding off hunger. Surely a healthier alternative to many commercially available treats.

Or use its pulp in recipes.

Its sweetish taste can make it a versatile ingredient to incorporate into yummy eats. Try it in a variety of baking treats, as an addition to fruit smoothies, or even adding small pieces into salads. Or use the fruits to make a sweet savory sauce.

Use Washingtonia filifera fruit to make Your Own Homemade Jams or Jellies.

Do you or a family member have food allergies?  The California Fan Palm fruit is generally considered safe to eat. But if you've never tried it before, it's best to try a small amount first to ensure you don't have an adverse reaction.

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Want to Try Washingtonia filifera Palm Fruit at Home?

Are you inspired to try it?

The easiest way to get California Fan Palm fruit for use at home, would be to buy some. Just like you can pretty easily buy Edible Date Palm tree fruit. Problem is, we haven't seen anywhere to buy this fruit.

While the fruit isn't commercially sold, you may have friends/family in the southwestern United States who have access to Washingtonia filifera & its fruit. Or you might be able to grow your own.

Are you fascinated enough to think about growing this palm tree?

The California fan palm is a pretty hardy tree that can grow in more climates than its desert origins. Check Your USDA Zones. In arid areas or dry Mediterranean climates, it does well in Zone 7-11. But not good for those in more humid areas, then try 8-11.

Not fussy for soil type, as long as it's in well-drained. Plant where it gets full sun. Will you like its naturally retained old leaves? When established, once-a-month watering will suffice. It survives from its drought tolerance.

The California fan palm begins as slow-growing palm trees. Older trees, established, speed up. Full height gets to 60 feet, with evenly spaced palmate fronds throughout the crown.

Sunlight filtering through the crown of palmate (fan-shaped) leaves.

Takeaways for California Fan Palm Fruit

The California fan palm fruit is pretty much hidden among edible palm fruits. Not many are aware it's fit for human consumption.

We've seen its history, how these palms have been important to native peoples in southwestern North America. We've evaluated its taste & discovered the nutritional benefits. Plus now know it can be eaten as a snack, while still having versatility for kitchen creations.

The palm itself can be grown in your garden, if you have the desert subtropical climates it needs. Many like it as a street tree.

Whether you're a nutrition enthusiast, a chef, a gardener, or someone who loves trying new things, investigating the California Fan Palm and its fruit may be for you!