Strawberry is a real relic. In Jordan, during excavations, archaeologists discovered fossilized trees. In addition, the strawberry is mentioned in the writings of the Greek scientist Theophrastus, who lived in the 300s BC. Today, the tree, whose fruits resemble strawberries, has become a symbol of the capital of Spain - on the coat of arms of Madrid is depicted a bronze bear, who feasts the bright fruits of the plant. Arbutus, the so-called strawberry tree, got its name because of fruits resembling strawberries. In addition, the fruits of strawberry have the smell of strawberries, and berries can be eaten raw.
Did you know? This long-lived can bear fruit for two hundred years.
Strawberry: calorie and chemical composition
The strawberry flower has a pleasant and light honey aroma. Use it as a diaphoretic. The plant also has excellent antiseptic properties, so different decoctions, tinctures and medicines based on strawberry should be taken for inflammation in the throat and pains of the urinary system. The bark and leaves of strawberry contain substances that are useful for the digestive system. They have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. 
The chemical characteristics of arbutus are still being studied. Still fruits are rich vitamin B, malic and ascorbic acid, sugar and pectin. In overripe fruits there is a percentage of alcohol. Also in the bark there is tannin, giving a bitter taste, tannins, flavonoids. By the way, strawberry is a food for large butterflies that inhabit Israel, and from the fruit of the tree they create honey, which has a tart taste and a pleasant aroma.
Souvenir caskets and watch cases are even made from durable strawberry wood. As for the caloric content of the fruit of the tree, the energy value is 28 kcal: of which proteins - 0.8 g; fats - 0.4 g; carbohydrates - 7.5 g
The plant has a few more names: health resort, whisper and other original "names". Since the plant loves heat, it is best to grow it in the winter garden, in greenhouses, in greenhouses.
In the greenhouse you can also grow plants such as cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, sweet peppers, eggplants and radishes.
Useful properties of strawberry
Tannin, which is present in the bark and leaves of arbutus, binds amino acids, thereby soothes the digestive system and improves the intestinal microflora. Fruits and other parts of the strawberry tree have a therapeutic effect on the body: vitamins and acids promote active metabolism and increase immunity.
Did you know? In ancient times in Greece, separate elements for weapons were made from solid wood of a strawberry tree. And for the property of strawberries to throw off their bark with a characteristic rustling sound, the tree was popularly called “shameless” by the people.Ascorbic acid is also present in the composition of the plant, which is able to increase the protective functions in the human body. This advantage is especially useful for avitaminosis and during the active spread of viral diseases. If we talk about the beneficial properties of the strawberry tree on the farm, we can note a number of points: thanks to the substances present in the bark of the tree, leather materials are processed to increase durability and plasticity; from leaves create brown paint.
The use of strawberry fruit in cooking
For many gourmets it will be useful to know what a strawberry tree is and how it can be used in cooking. Berries are used to make various syrups and jams, candied fruits and jelly. Also, the fruits are the main ingredient for the preparation of alcoholic beverages (wines and liquors). In Portugal, for example, they produce vodka from strawberry berries.
The benefits of berries for our health is beyond doubt. Use more berries, namely blueberries, yoshtu, dogwood, prince, cloudberries, cherries, blueberries and blackberries.Berries are eaten raw and processed. So, from them it is possible to prepare tasty jam, compote or jam. In addition, the fruits of arbutus - an exquisite additive in prestigious varieties of liqueurs. From the flowers get spicy honey with a pleasant bitterness.
Use in traditional medicine
In folk medicine strawberry also found its use. Preparations based on the fruits of the plant have valuable components that help to heal from cystitis and eczema.
In folk medicine, the strawberry tree is used in as a medicine for many ailments, description and application of which can be found in various sources. For example, infusions of the flowers of the tree are insisted: young strawberry flowers are picked, washed with clean water, and then boiled in a container with berries, like compote. This tincture is useful for rhinitis, sore throat, as the plant has antiseptic properties.
Important! Strawberry berries in large quantities can stupefy and cause a severe headache.Another recipe: the bark of the tree is used for burns and scratches. Also, arbutus bark can cleanse and process the face, as it contains useful ingredients that treat problem skin. From the leaves and flowers you can prepare a tincture on a water basis for gargling and eliminating toothache.
Collection and preparation of medical raw materials
As mentioned above, leaves, fruits, flowers and bark are used to treat diseases. All these parts of the plant are processed and harvested differently. Leaves collected in summer: tear, carefully sorted, throwing out the blackened leaves, dried and turned over every day. When the foliage is completely dry, it is stored in paper packaging for up to two years.
Berries are immediately used in cooking or dried in special dryers. The bark and flowers are dried under a canopy in a room where there is good air ventilation. The bark is also harvested in summer: it is crushed and stored in packages until use.
The strawberry tree is a common plant in Europe, America and, in particular, in Ireland, where a large number of strawberry species grows. The tree grows slowly and in decades reaches 5 meters in height.
Contraindications
The use of strawberries in moderation will bring many benefits. However, when overeating berries a person may experience headaches and indigestion. In a large number of fruits stupefy, as a mature state in the berries appears a small dose of alcohol and andromedotoxin.
Important! Arbutus is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating mothers. Also, do not give berries to children.Since there is a strong toxin in the bark, you cannot get rid of it even after drying. Therefore, the bark is used only for external processing and healing. Honey, which is collected from strawberry nectar, also contains a toxin fraction and in large quantities unfavorable to the human body.
