Everything You Need To Know About The Strawberry Tree Fruit

The strawberry tree, scientifically known as the Arbutus unedo, is a fruit tree native to the Mediterranean basin, Western Europe, France and Ireland.

It belongs to the Ericaceae family, just like the popular blueberry and is also known as ‘Irish strawberry tree', or cain or cane apple.

The strawberry tree is usually used as ornament however it yields red berry fruit that is edible and remarkably similar to large cherries, except for the rough textured exterior skin.

Inside, the skin reveals a soft and grainy intense yellow pulp with a refreshing flavour that can be both sweet and sour. Strawberry trees yield autumnal and winter fruits that usually ripen between November and December.

Despite that, it's not a common fruit, however it's definitely worth trying if you are lucky enough to come across it when it is in season.

The Benefits of Strawberry Tree Fruit 

1. Strawberry tree fruit is rich in therapeutic properties because it's a great source of vitamins, tannins and pectins being full of anthocyanins and antioxidant polyphenols.
2. It also contains a lot of vitamins, including vitamin C: 100 g of fruits contain about 180 mg, I.e about 3 times the amount an orange contains.
3. Strawberry tree fruit is also a natural remedy for combatting respiratory, and any intestinal inflammation.
4. Strawberry tree infusions contain high amounts of antioxidants and tannins and can be used as a urinary antiseptic, while a decoction of strawberry tree leaves and roots can help to combat rheumatic pains.

Cooking with The Strawberry Tree Fruit

The strawberry tree fruits can be eaten fresh or preserved in jams, liqueurs and syrups.

The jam they make is perfect for filling whole wheat tarts prepared and the whole fruit adds a little extra character to cakes, biscuits and sweet buns.

With the strawberry tree fruit, you can also prepare a particular vinegar that can be used to dress salads and cruditées.