The special appeal of the strawberry tree (Arbutus) is not only due to the attractively colored bark and the pretty foliage. This exotic species, which is related to the native heather and is easy to care for, adorns itself with white umbels of flowers, from which bright orange-red fruits develop. Visually, they resemble strawberries and were eponymous. Although they are not poisonous, they are only considered a delicacy in their home countries, but here they give typical dishes their characteristic aroma.

The fruits of the strawberry tree are tasty and healthy

Brief description of the strawberry tree fruit

  • Depending on the species, the fruit of the strawberry tree is 2 to 2.5 centimeters in size.
  • They are orange-red in color when ripe and have a warty, leathery skin.
  • The mealy, fleshy flesh is bright yellow.
  • The aroma is less pronounced sweet and sour. When fully ripe, it is vaguely reminiscent of melons or apricots.

Are the fruits edible?

According to legend, the name "unedo" goes back to a saying by the Roman scholar Pliny the Elder. "Unum edo" means something like: "I'll eat one." He points out that you certainly won't eat a second strawberry fruit once you've tried one.

Strawberry tree fruits are not poisonous. However, they are not easy to transport because they spoil quickly. Due to this fact and the rather bland taste enjoyed raw, they are only processed regionally.

Tasty specialties

The fruits of the strawberry tree contain a lot of vitamin C and pectin, which is why they are ideal as a basis for jam. However, the shell and the small seeds do not completely dissolve; Once cooked, the spread must be passed through a sieve again.

In the Algarve, the clear schnapps “Medronho”, which is typical for this region, is distilled from the Arbutus berries. A Sardinian specialty is the honey "Amaro di Corbezzolo". It tastes very intense and is a popular seasoning for both sweet and salty dishes.

Not poisonous, but even a remedy

If you are traveling in the south and discover strawberry tree fruits, you can snack on the edible fruits without worrying. They are perfectly edible when fully ripe and, because of the high pectin content, are an excellent remedy for travelers' diarrhea.

tips

Arbutus blooms in the cold season when there are hardly any insects in Germany. This inevitably leads to problems with pollination, so you have to do without fruit. However, you can help with a brush and carry out the fertilization yourself.

Category:

Trees