Strawberry Tree Fruit (Wild Strawberry): What It Is and Its Characteristics

Strawberry tree fruit, also known colloquially as wild strawberry, grows on an evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach about 8 m in height. The plant belongs to the heath family and differs considerably from the familiar garden strawberry in both appearance and taste. Despite its small size, the fruit has an intense flavor and can be eaten fresh or dried. Here are notes on its nutritional value, selection, storage, and precautions.

Strawberry tree fruit in the kitchen
Strawberry tree fruit can be served fresh or used to make jam. It can also be used fresh or in drinks. Fresh or dried, it can be served on fruit platters or used in jam and desserts. Dried fruit has a more concentrated flavor and longer shelf life than fresh fruit.

How to choose it
When buying fresh strawberry tree fruit, choose berries that are dark, bright in color, and firm. Bruised or leaking berries may mold quickly. A whitish, powdery coating on the berries is generally a sign of freshness, not spoilage. When buying dried fruit, check that the berries are not stuck together or damp and that the package is airtight. Dried fruit should smell mild and natural, with no musty or sour odor.

How to store it
Like other soft fruit, fresh strawberry tree fruit should be refrigerated in a covered container and used within 2–3 days; if stored longer, it may release juice and develop mold. Washing it just before use can help it stay fresh longer. Dried fruit can be stored for months in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place. To freeze the fruit, freeze the berries in a single layer, then transfer them to a bag; this prevents them from sticking together.

How to eat it
Strawberry tree fruit can be eaten fresh or added to yogurt, muesli, or salads. Dried berries add a little crunch and a mildly tart flavor to cake and cookie dough. They can also be used to make jam or fruit molasses (pekmez); simmering them produces an intense aroma and dark color. The dried leaves are also traditionally consumed as an herbal tea.

Precautions
Strawberry tree fruit has no known serious adverse effects, but it may cause an allergic reaction; people allergic to it should avoid it completely, and anyone who suspects an allergy should talk to a doctor first. People with sensitive stomachs should consume it in cautious amounts. Pick and eat wild fruit only when you are sure what it is; tasting a small amount does not make a misidentified fruit safe. When trying a correctly identified wild fruit for the first time, starting with a small amount is a sensible approach. Wash foraged fruit thoroughly with plenty of water before eating.