The Strawberry Tree comes from the tree (ARBUTUS UNEDO) known as strawberry tree and belonging to the genus ARBUTUS, of the ERICACEAS family. It is a spherical fruit, 2 to 3 cm. in diameter, very similar to the forest strawberry, although larger, both because of the red color of its skin and because of the granular surface it presents. The pulp is yellow, slightly bittersweet and pleasant when it is very ripe. Inside there are 3 or 4 very small and compressed seeds.            

The strawberry tree has always been a very common plant in Spain, since before the 18th century, there were many mountains and hills of the Iberian Peninsula that were populated entirely by this striking shrub, this being the reason why In the coat of arms of Madrid there is a strawberry tree next to the bear. The plant is widespread in southern Europe, especially in Mediterranean countries, as well as in Asia and the warm regions of the USA.         

The fruit contains small traces of vitamins, these being the main substance observed in the strawberry tree. The leaves of the plant also contain tannic substances, although, as early as the 18th century in Greece and in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean, they were used for tanning leather. Strawberry tree leaf infusions were used in popular medicine as an astringent for the intestine and as an antirheumatic remedy.          

Its consumption is largely limited to the preparation of jams and preserves, although it is consumed in certain mountainous areas and towns in the north of Spain, where a drink similar to wine and with a certain resemblance to cider is also made.   

It is a very perishable fruit, so once it is ripe, it must be consumed as soon as possible.