The special appeal of the strawberry tree (Arbutus) is not just the attractively colored bark and the pretty foliage. This exotic plant, which is related to the native heather and is easy to care for, is decorated with white flower umbels from which bright orange-red fruits form. Visually they resemble strawberries and gave them their name. Although they are not poisonous, they are only considered a delicacy in their home countries, but here they give typical dishes their characteristic aroma.
Is the fruit of the strawberry tree edible?
The fruit of the strawberry tree is edible and is characterized by its orange-red color, warty peel and sweet-sour aroma. They are rich in vitamin C and pectin, and are often used in jams, schnapps and honey.
Brief description of strawberry tree fruit
- The fruit of the strawberry tree is 2 to 2.5 centimeters large, depending on the species.
- When ripe, they are orange-red in color and have a warty, leathery shell.
- The mealy, fleshy flesh is bright yellow.
- The aroma is slightly 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 eat one.” He points out that you definitely won't eat a second strawberry fruit once you've tried one.
But 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 when eaten raw, they are only processed regionally.
Tasty speci alties
The fruits of the strawberry tree contain a lot of vitamin C and pectin, which is why they are ideal as a base 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 speci alty is the honey “Amaro di Corbezzolo”. It tastes very intense and is a popular seasoning for sweet and s alty 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 worry. When fully ripe they are absolutely edible and, because of the high pectin content, an excellent remedy for traveler's diarrhea.
Tip
Arbutus blooms in the cold season, when there are hardly any insects around in Germany. This inevitably leads to problems with pollination, so you have to forego fruit. However, you can help with a brush (€10.00 on Amazon) and carry out the fertilization yourself.
