Valorization of wild strawberry-tree fruits (Arbutus unedo L.) through nutritional assessment and natural production data

A wide variability in the nutrient composition of strawberry-tree fruits was found which shows that the analysis of many different samples from different origins and seasons are required to provide average reliable data about the chemical composition of wild fruits. From the results obtained, strawberry-tree fruits can be considered a very good source of health promoting compounds as vitamin C and dietary fiber (202.6 mg/100 g and 42.6% minimum contribution to RDAs, respectively). They are also rich in total available carbohydrates, sugars, potassium and secondary metabolites, such as phenolic compounds, being poor in lipids and Na. These results, together with its high production may help to reinforce its consumption, as an alternative to the fruits available in the market or a source of bioactive compounds for dietary supplements or functional foods.