Calories in Yunnan Hackberry: Nutritional facts for Yunnan Hackberry Types

One hundred grams (3.5 oz) of raw Yunnan hackberries contains 72 calories.

One kilogram (1,000 g) of raw Yunnan hackberries provides 720 calories.

One single large Yunnan hackberry fruit weighing 1 g (0.035 oz) contains 0.72 calories. A medium sized fresh Yunnan hackberry weighing 0.8 g (0.028 oz) contains 0.57 calories. A small fruit weighing 0.5 g (0.017 oz) contains 0.36 calories.

Yunnan hackberries provide some health benefits like improved digestive regularity and enhanced bone mineralization due to their high fiber and calcium content. This fruit, often referred to as "wild sugar berry" or "Kunming drupe," is a staple foraged item in high-altitude regions. A list of the health benefits of Yunnan hackberry are shown below.

• Supports Bone Health: The calcium and magnesium levels contribute to skeletal density. A study by Ozturk et al. (2015), "Mineral content and antioxidant activity of Celtis species," found that hackberries are superior to many common fruits in mineral concentration.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Phenolic acids in the skin help neutralize free radicals. Research by Al-Snafi (2015), "The chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Celtis australis," highlights the presence of flavonoids that protect against oxidative stress.
• Enhances Digestive Transit: High dietary fiber prevents constipation and supports gut microbiota.
• Provides Natural Energy: The balanced carbohydrate profile provides a steady release of glucose for physical activity.
• Maintains Heart Rhythm: Potassium levels assist in regulating electrical signals in the heart muscle.

Yunnan hackberry has been known to cause some unwanted effects like dental discomfort and digestive bloating due to its hard pit and high fiber density. A list of the downsides of Yunnan hackberry are shown below.

• Risk of Dental Fracture: The fruit contains a very hard, stone-like pit that can crack teeth if bitten forcefully.
• Gastrointestinal Distress: Excessive consumption of the fibrous skin can cause bloating or gas in individuals with sensitive stomachs.
• Tannin Interference: High levels of tannins in unripe fruit may interfere with iron absorption. A study by Kumar et al. (2019), "Anti-nutritional factors in wild edible fruits," explains how tannins can bind to minerals in the digestive tract.

Yes, Yunnan hackberries are good for you because they provide 11% of the DV for fiber and a unique profile of bone-supporting minerals in a low-fat package. Healthy individuals should consume 100 g (3.5 oz) of the fresh fruit daily to improve mineral intake. A study by Badwaik et al. (2014), "Nutritional Evaluation of Wild Edible Fruits," suggests that wild berries like the hackberry are essential for rural food security and micronutrient health. They are a nutrient-dense snack that supports long-term skeletal health.

The calories in Yunnan hackberries change based on the water content and whether the calorie-dense seed is processed. Fresh Yunnan hackberries contain 72 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz). If the fruit is dried, the energy increases to 280 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz) as water evaporates. When the entire fruit, including the protein-rich seed, is ground into flour, the value reaches 420 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz) because the seeds contain healthy fats and proteins not found in the pulp alone.

The origin of the Yunnan hackberry is the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau in Southwest China. It has been a part of the local diet for centuries, particularly among ethnic minority groups who forage the wild trees in late summer. Historically, the fruit was used as a natural sweetener before refined sugar was available. The seeds were also ground into a coarse meal during times of food scarcity to provide essential fats and proteins. Today, it is recognized as a specialty wild fruit of the Kunming region.