Chastetree and its Chasteberries are mainly known from phytotherapy, their effects on the libido of men are reflected in many of his trivial names. It regulates the female hormone-balance, which is why it is often used to treat menstrual problems. However, the fruits and leaves of the “Monk’s pepper” also work as spices. Especially the hot tasting fruits can be used as a pepper substitute.

The flowers can be blue-violet, pink or white, whereby the content of medicinal agents is higher in light flowers than in darker ones. The time of harvest, on the other hand, has less impact on the content, even unripe fruits can be used.

• Edible Fruits Leaves
• Type of Fruit drupe
• Culinary Group Spice
• Taste hot, spicy
• Trivial Names Mönchpfeffer, Keuschbaum, Keuschlamm, Keuschlammfrüchte, Liebfrauenbettstroh, Abrahamstrauch, Pfeffersalz, Tanis, Vitex, Chaste tree, Chastetree, Chasteberry, Abraham's balm, Lilac chastetree, Monk's pepper, Arbre au poivre, Gattilier
• Size (single fruit) 5 mm
• Taxonomy Verbenaceae (Vervaine family) Vitex agnus-castus
• Origin Mediterraneum, Near East (Map)
• Locality Palmengarten Frankfurt (FRP) 2017