🌿 Lardizabala biternata, also known as Zabala fruit or Coguil in Chile, is a fascinating evergreen vine native to the temperate forests of central and southern Chile. While it’s not widely known outside its native range, it offers a few intriguing health-related uses and nutritional perks:

🍇 Traditional Uses

• Digestive Aid: The fruit is traditionally used as a laxative, helping support digestive regularity.
• Skin Health: Leaves have been used in folk medicine to treat skin diseases, though scientific validation is limited.
• Herbal Tea: A tea made from the plant is believed to soothe digestive issues, offering a gentle remedy for stomach discomfort.

💪 Nutritional Highlights

According to available data, the fruit contains:

• Calories: ~110 per serving
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 4.1g
• Protein: 9.7g
• Fiber: Rich source, aiding digestion and satiety

🌸 Bonus Perks

• Edible & Ornamental: The fruit is sweet and consumed raw or cooked, while the plant itself is prized for its beautiful flowers.
• Adaptability: It thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soil and tolerates mild frost, making it a resilient addition to gardens.

🍇 Lardizabala biternata — Chile’s Sweet, Ornamental Vine

• Common Name: Zabala fruit
• Origin: Native to the temperate forests of central and southern Chile
• Botanical Style: A fruit-bearing evergreen liana (woody vine) that climbs trees with dramatic flair

🌸 Visual & Ornamental Appeal

• Flowers: Deep maroon to brown, exotic and eye-catching
• Fruit: Sausage-shaped, bluish-black when ripe, with a sweet, pulpy interior — considered a delicacy in Chile2
• Growth Habit: Twining vine reaching 10–15 ft tall, ideal for trellises or container gardens

🌱 Cultivation Notes

• Zones: USDA 8a–10b
• Sun: Prefers partial shade to full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich
• Water: Regular moisture
• Fertility Tip: Not self-fertile — plant two for fruit production

🧬 Cultural & Niche Potential

• Rare & Collectible: Seed-grown and not widely available — perfect for exclusivity
• Cultural Storytelling: Traditionally harvested and sold in Chilean markets, with deep regional roots
• Wellness Angle: Sweet pulp, high fiber, and traditional digestive uses make it a candidate for functional food storytelling

🔬 Why the Lack of Hard Data?

Lardizabala fruit doesn’t have an extensively studied nutrient profile, but based on its close relatives like Akebia (same botanical family), we can make some informed assumptions. Here’s what it’s likely to contain:

🧬 Likely Vitamins & Health-Boosters

• Vitamin C: Supports immune function, skin health, and acts as an antioxidant.
• B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6): Aid in energy metabolism and nervous system health.
• Vitamin A (through carotenoids): Helps maintain eye health, immune defense, and skin regeneration.
• Vitamin E: Known for protecting cells from oxidative stress and aiding skin repair.
• Polyphenols: These natural compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

🌿 Medicinal Properties of Lardizabala biternata@ ZD Ask

While scientific literature is limited, traditional knowledge from Chile hints at the following benefits:

• Digestive Support: Its sweet pulp is believed to act as a natural laxative, gently aiding digestion.
• Skin Remedy: Folk medicine uses the leaves for treating certain skin ailments, though formal validation is scarce.
• Calming Tea: Infusions made from the plant are traditionally used to ease stomach discomfort and promote relaxation.

🍇 Phytochemical Potential

Though not fully researched, it’s expected to contain:

• Antioxidants (like polyphenols and vitamin C) — for cellular protection and inflammation reduction.
• Carotenoids — precursors to vitamin A, supporting vision and immune health.
• Fiber — promoting digestive balance and fullness.

This rare vine fruit isn’t just a showstopper in gardens—it’s whispering wellness in every bite.

🍇 Lardizabala biternata

Chile’s Sweet, Ornamental Vine

• Common Name: Zabala fruit
• Origin: Native to the temperate forests of central and southern Chile
• Botanical Style: A fruit-bearing evergreen liana (woody vine) that climbs trees with dramatic flair

🌸 Visual & Ornamental Appeal

• Flowers: Deep maroon to brown, exotic and eye-catching
• Fruit: Sausage-shaped, bluish-black when ripe, with a sweet, pulpy interior — considered a delicacy in Chile2
• Growth Habit: Twining vine reaching 10–15 ft tall, ideal for trellises or container gardens

🌱 Cultivation Notes

• Zones: USDA 8a–10b
• Sun: Prefers partial shade to full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich
• Water: Regular moisture
• Fertility Tip: Not self-fertile — plant two for fruit production

🧬 Cultural & Niche Potential

• Rare & Collectible: Seed-grown and not widely available — perfect for exclusivity
• Cultural Storytelling: Traditionally harvested and sold in Chilean markets, with deep regional roots
• Wellness Angle: Sweet pulp, high fiber, and traditional digestive uses make it a candidate for functional food storytelling

🍇 Readily Available Comparables

These fruits are available fresh or frozen in many U.S. grocery stores and international markets.

🍽️ Culinary Suggestions for Lardizabala (Zabala Fruit)

This rare Chilean vine fruit brings a sweet, tangy punch to the table. Here are a few creative ways to use it:

🍲 Zabala-Infused Soup

• Flavor: Sweet pulp adds tropical depth to savory broths
• Ingredients: Zabala fruit, onion, garlic, broth, cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free), herbs
• Serving Tip: Garnish with parsley or croutons for texture
• Recipe Inspiration: Lardizabala-Infused Soup

🍿 Zabala-Flavored Popcorn

• Flavor Profile: Sweet and tangy puree balanced with butter and salt
• Occasion: Great for movie nights or party snacks
• Pairing: Try with herbal teas or sparkling water
• Recipe Inspiration: Lardizabala Popcorn

🍧 Other Ideas

• Fruit Puree: Use in smoothies, yogurt bowls, or as a glaze for grilled meats
• Dessert Sauce: Reduce with honey and citrus for a drizzle over ice cream or panna cotta
• Fermented: Explore chutneys or fruit vinegar for a gourmet twist

“Want the perks? You’ll have to plant the pulp.”

🌱 Zabala: Not Found in Stores — Found in Soil

Forget aisle nine. To experience the sweet pulp, antioxidant punch, and digestively divine magic of Lardizabala, you’ll need to cultivate it yourself.

• 💧 Grow from seed
• 🌞 Watch it vine and bloom
• 🍇 Harvest the wild sweetness

Rare fruit for rare minds. Chile knows, Do You?

Availability in the U.S.

Lardizabala isn’t widely stocked in grocery stores, but you can find seed-grown plants from specialty nurseries like Wanderlust Nursery.

• Price: ~$30 per plant (currently sold out, but restock alerts available)
• Growing Zones: USDA 8 and above (cold hardy to ~10°F)
• Note: Not self-fertile — you’ll need two plants for fruit production