Editing Tlanoxtle (section)

== Fruit and uses ==

The berries are green when mature in the food-plant variety, roundish to oval, juicy, and up to approximately 4.15 cm in diameter. Their flavor has been described as sweet with a slight tartness or acidity, similar in general character to tomato. Fruit is eaten raw and has also been dried, boiled in sugar syrup, and preserved. Tlanoxtle fruit has been associated with traditional markets and offerings during Day of the Dead observances.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup><sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>

David E. Williams reported an estimated field density of about 4,700 plants per hectare, with approximately 30 fruits per plant in one agricultural setting. That observation produced a calculated yield of about 1.25 metric tons per hectare, but it should be treated as a field observation rather than a modern commercial yield standard.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>

The botanical revision records medicinal use as a purgative in the State of Mexico. That is not a recommendation for home use. As with other Solanaceae, fruit should only be eaten when the plant is correctly identified and the fruit is at the documented mature stage; unripe fruit, leaves, and underground parts should not be assumed edible from the fruit's food history.<sup>[[#cite_note-1|[1]]]</sup>