(Photo LOF - Strawberry tree)
Strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo - Strawberry tree) are very hardy in a mediterranean climate. The portuguese say they are "brave", though it doesn't mean courageous but just that they grow in the wild. Strawberry trees are evergreen and can be pruned to make very good hedges.
The fruit starts out almost white, turns yellow in September to a cheery orange then red in October. When they are red they are ripe. Being ripe in the life of a strawberry tree fruit is short. They quickly become soft and mushy and being rich in sugar they start to ferment. The birds adore them but can hardly fly straight, they get so drunk. Even humans get quite jovial and talkative during harvest.
The fruit end up as jam, compote, jelly, syrup or liqeur. the italians make vinager out of them and the Portuguese make an eau de vie "Arguardente de Medronho". The " In Loco" association is doing research to improve Medronho.
At Lugar do Olhar Feliz, we eat strawberry tree fruit fresh off the tree. If they get too ripe we put them in a good red wine where they make a delicated scented and excellent sangria.
(Photo LOF - strawberry tree October 17th)
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