Kuchinashi (A cape jasmine gardenia)

There is a Cape Jasmine gardenia tree in my garden.

Every year I get over 20 pieces of fruit.

The fruits only grow on trees with single – petaled flowers.

Those flowers have a sweet scent from June to July

The fruits contain “crocin “which is used like saffron for coloring food.

The reason why it is called “Kuchinashi (no mouth)” is that.

The fruits can’t open if they ripen.

When you cut a fruit you can see beautiful orange color inside.

The chestnut paste which is one of traditional Japanese “osechi” dishes must use it.

I use it when I make pickled radish, cooked rice, and so on.