These types of fruits found in Greece are often available to forage. We find many locals do not know the nutritional value of them or do not include them in there diets so the fruits are left to rot from the trees. Sometimes its because there is such an abundance of the fruits that they are just simply not harvested or bothered with, which is such a shame. I will continue to add discovered fruits to this blog as we come across them.
Arbutus Andrachne.
Commonly known as the Greek Strawberry Tree is actually an evergreen shrub.
The hermaphrodites' flowers are pretty little white bell shaped, producing panicles in autumn and pollinated by bees, produced at the same time as bearing fruit.
The fruit is a red berry (size of a cherry) with a rough pimply surface. Its said to taste similar to a fig, others find it a little bland and tasteless as I did.
It serves as a bee plant for honey production and food for birds. It can be used for making jams or liqueurs such as traditional Raki but is most often only used as an ornamental shrub.
Loquat
Loquats are full of antioxidants, a good source of vitamin B1 and help with the digestive system. Full of Vitamin C (logical if we consider the orange season is now over). Nature sure knows best.
Used for jams/chutney, in sweet or savory recipes.
Mulberries.
The species found in Greece originated from Asia over 2500 years ago. The fruit can be eaten fresh or in jams or pies. I love them fresh on my morning porridge. This superfood is packed with antioxidants, vitamins C,K and E, potassium, magnesium and iron.
Mulberry trees have good foliage so are often grown for shade; they are cut back each year to keep their shape under control. The soft fruits ripen in May but be quick to pick them before the birds do.
Persimmon Fruit.
This is an autumn winter fruit (Sept - Dec) full of antioxidants, high in fibre, vitamins and minerals. There are two types of persimmon fruit, this being a Fuyu (tomato shaped) which can be eaten raw like an apple. A firm texture when ripe and a sweet taste I think similar to a conference pear.
They go well in salads as well as savory and spicy dishes. Roasted with other root vegetables or as a sorbet dessert and can be frozen whole for a month.
Figs.
Figs are in abundance here in Lefkada and harvested between the months of July - September. The light green to yellow variety are called Calimyrna figs.
Figs taste best eaten straight off the tree, ideally still warm from the sun. The entire fig is edible including the skin but can be peeled if you wish. Always cut off the stem.
Some culinary ideas are prosciutto wrapped grilled figs or fig, beetroot and watermelon salad with caramelized shallot dressing. Yummm !!!
Figs have many health benefits including reducing inflammation. Figs are high in natural sugars, minerals and soluble fibre. Figs are rich in minerals including potassium, calcium. magnesium, iron and copper and are a good source of antioxidant vitamins A and K that contribute to health and wellness.
Figs can be eaten fresh or dried and can be frozen.
Pomegranate.
Pomegranates are also in season during the autumn and have been eaten throughout history for their health benefits.
Pomegranate has antioxidant, antiviral and anti-tumor properties and is said to be a good source of vitamin A, C and E as well as folic acid. (the white pulp in pomegranates is not edible.)
Prickly Pear.
Opuntia, Commonly known as prickly pear is a genus of the flowering plant in the cactus family Cactaceae. Seen here on Lefkada Island if you like to forage.
It can be eaten in salads raw or cooked or juiced.
High in fibre, antioxidants and carotenoids, it can be part of a healthy diet.
Spines cover the pear: use tongs or a knife and gloves to remove the fruit from the pad. Place the fruit in a colander and vigorously shake around under water and knock off the spines.
https://www.thespruceeats.com/prickly-pear-cactus-fruit-2343047
Mexican Key Lime. - Aurantifolia
A native of South East Asia. An evergreen bushy shrub like tree with a spherical fruit 25-50mm in diameter. Usually picked while its still green but it becomes yellow when ripe.
The key lime is smaller, seedier and higher acidity, stronger aroma and thinner than the Persian lime.
Limes are expensive in Greece as they are not grown on a large scale due to the tree not taking kindly to the soil conditions during winter. We are lucky to have a friend who has one growing in their private garden where more care can be taken to support good drainage.
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/key-lime-pie-1
Jujube.
Jujube (also known as red or Chinese date) is considered a tree originating in Asia that has become acclimatized in Greece and other Mediterranean countries, unknown when.
The tree is a small fruit-baring deciduous with thorny branches and blooms in summer, when it emits a delicate aroma. When ripe the fruits are dark red in colour and may appear slightly wrinkled.
In Europe they were grown and processed a lot into jams, candies and sweets. But mainly they were used as a tonic and detoxifiers for prevention against viruses, childhood diseases, to relieve coughs etc.
They are a perfect snacking fruit; chew around the centre pit and discard (like a cherry). A white flesh, similar flavour to an apple. When dried they taste similar to a date. Eating only 1-3 jujube fruits will meet your daily Vitamin C requirements.
.jpg)
Comments
Post a Comment