It produces edible but sharply acidic berries, which people in many countries eat as a tart and refreshing fruit.

B. vulgaris is the alternate host species of the wheat stem rust fungus (Puccinia graminis f. sp.

[3] The edible berries,[9] though rich in vitamin C, have a very sharp or sour flavour and are not widely consumed because the thorny shrubs make them difficult to harvest.

The South Khorasan province in Iran is the main area of zerešk and saffron production in the world, especially around Birjand and Qaen.

[12] A decoction of the plant has been used as a folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal ailments and coughs,[13] although its use has been limited due to the bitter taste of the bark and root.