......... a "forgotten" ancient autumn fruit - Here, its extraordinary properties.

The strawberry tree, a small tree or shrub typical of the Mediterranean maquis, which can grow up to 10 meters in height. An evergreen plant with ovoid leaves with serrated margins. Its flowers are similar to small bells - clustered together - and white in color that bloom in autumn between October and November. The arbutus fruit is harvested the following year at the same time, that is, between October and December.

The fruits are round, grainy and brightly colored (green to yellow-orange-red) with 20-25 seeds, have yellow flesh and a sweet taste with a sour aftertaste.

The strawberry tree bears flowers and fruit for a long time at the same time. The beautiful evergreen foliage, red berries and white flowers give us an enchanting natural spectacle. By the way it is for this reason, the arbutus is also called "Garibaldi's plant"; does the mixture of the three colors remind you of anything? ............ The flag of Italy.

How do you eat the fruit of the strawberry tree? The berries, rich in sugars and vitamin C, have a sweetish, pleasant taste. They are eaten fresh, au naturel, in fruit salads, or used for jams, jellies and syrups. They also yield well in spirit.

Masseria della Colomba will be happy to let you taste its Arbutus liqueur.