Calories in Strawberry Tree: Nutritional facts for Strawberry Tree Types

One hundred grams (3.5 oz) of raw strawberry tree fruit contains 148 calories. One hundred grams (3.5 oz) of dried strawberry tree fruit contains 370 calories.

One kilogram (1,000 g or 35.3 oz) of fresh strawberry tree fruit contains 1,480 calories.

A single medium strawberry tree fruit weighing 15 g (0.5 oz) contains 22 calories. A large individual fruit weighing 30 g (1.05 oz) contains 44 calories. A small individual fruit weighing 10 g (0.35 oz) provides 15 calories.

Strawberry tree fruit provides specific health advantages such as controlling blood sugar levels and protecting against neurological decline due to its high levels of arbutin and polyphenols. This fruit, often referred to as "medronho," "cane apple," or "Dalmatian strawberry," is a functional part of traditional Mediterranean diets. A list of the health benefits of strawberry tree fruit is shown below.

• Aids in Diabetes Management: The fruit contains extracts that inhibit alpha-amylase activity, which slows down carbohydrate digestion. This helps prevent rapid blood sugar spikes in individuals with type-2 diabetes.
• Enhances Neuroprotection: The presence of arbutin acts as an inhibitor that blocks the progression of neurological diseases. Research by Nunes (2014), "Arbutus unedo L.: A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology," indicates the plant's potential against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
• Bolsters Immune Strength: Delivering 180 mg of Vitamin C per 100 g (200% DV), the fruit ensures robust white blood cell production.
• Combats Oxidative Stress: The fruit's high phenolic content neutralizes free radicals in the body. A study by Fortalezas et al. (2010), "Antioxidant properties and total phenols content of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) fruits," demonstrated its strong free radical scavenging capabilities.
• Supports Heart Health: High levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids provide a favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio that protects the cardiovascular system.
• Aids Digestive Health: The high dietary fiber content (6.4 g per 100 g) promotes regular bowel movements and can act as a natural laxative.
• Supplies High Iron Levels: A 100 g portion provides levels of iron and manganese that exceed the minimum recommended daily allowance.

While nutrient-dense, the strawberry tree fruit can cause some unwanted effects like minor intoxication and digestive discomfort due to its natural fermentation and high tannin content. A list of the downsides of strawberry tree fruit is shown below.

• Induces Mild Intoxication: Ripe fruits can ferment naturally while still on the branch, producing small amounts of alcohol. Consuming large quantities of overripe fruit may lead to a feeling of "drunkenness" or dizziness.
• Causes Gastrointestinal Irritation: The high level of tannins in underripe fruit can lead to stomach cramps or nausea.
• Promotes Dental Enamel wear: The acidic pH of 3.9 can soften tooth enamel if the fruit is eaten in excess without proper oral hygiene.

Yes, strawberry tree fruits are good for you because they deliver 200% of the DV for Vitamin C and a potent dose of neuroprotective arbutin in every 100 g (3.5 oz) serving. Healthy individuals should consume 5 to 10 fruits (approx. 100 g to 150 g) daily during their winter season to gain antioxidant and metabolic benefits. The major benefits include the inhibition of enzymes linked to diabetes and the support of brain health. Research by Malheiro et al. (2012), "Arbutus unedo L. fruits: A high-quality food source," highlights the fruit as a valuable source of bioactive phytochemicals. It serves as an ideal whole-food supplement for reducing oxidative stress.

The energy content of strawberry tree fruit changes based on the concentration of sugars and the removal of water mass. Raw fruit contains 148 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz), but when it is dehydrated into dried pieces, the density increases to 370 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz) because the natural sugars are no longer diluted by moisture. Commercial jams reach 260 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz) due to the addition of refined sugar syrups during the cooking process. Distillation into Medronho brandy transforms the fruit's carbohydrates into ethanol, providing roughly 250 calories per 100 mL (3.4 oz) serving.

The origin of the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) is the Mediterranean basin and the Atlantic coast of Western Europe. It has grown wild for thousands of years in Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy, and is even native to parts of Ireland. The name "strawberry tree" was given by Northern Europeans because the red, bumpy fruit looks like a garden strawberry, though it tastes like a mix of peach and fig.

Historically, the fruit was a vital food source for rural populations during the winter when other fresh produce was scarce. In the 20th century, the fruit transitioned from a subsistence food to a gourmet specialty, specifically prized for artisanal brandies and medicinal liqueurs. Today, the tree is cultivated across Southern Europe for its decorative beauty and its high-antioxidant fruit.