Tag: Arbutus unedo

The Latin name for the most common arbutus tree, *Arbutus unedo*, translates to 'I eat only one,' which famously suggests the fruit's underwhelming taste. This native Mediterranean shrub is known for its beautiful appearance but leaves many wondering about its red, bumpy fruit. While technically edible, the fruit's texture and flavor profile are important to understand before eating it fresh.

The fruits of the Arbutus unedo, commonly known as the strawberry tree, are indeed edible when fully ripe, a fact that surprises many unfamiliar with this ornamental evergreen shrub. While edible, their mild, grainy flavor means they are more commonly used for jams and liqueurs rather than eaten fresh. It is critical to understand the nuances of consuming these berries and to distinguish them from other look-alikes.

Historically, the strawberry tree, or *Arbutus unedo*, has been valued in folk medicine, especially in Mediterranean regions, where its leaves have been traditionally used to prepare infusions and decoctions for various ailments. But beyond folk remedies, a common question arises for foragers and culinary adventurers alike: are strawberry tree leaves edible?