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Easy Strawberry tree jam (arbutus unedo)

A big pile of strawberry tree fruit on a white kitchen bench.

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Strawberry tree jam is delicious spread on toast, stirred through unsweetened yogurt or as an accompaniment to roast meats and on cheese boards.

I first came across this amazing fruit when my friend had a strawberry tree, arbutus unedo, growing in her garden a few years ago. I was pleasantly surprised how tasty the fruit was and immediately knew that it would make an excellent jam/jelly.

(Arbutus unedo) Strawberry tree

strawberry tree (dog wood)

The arbutus strawberry tree is an attractive ornamental tree. Many people has it in their garden without knowing that the red arbutus berry fruits are edible. However the brightly colored fruit of strawberry tree are great to eat and have been used in folk medicine for many different purposes.

Learn how to identify a strawberry tree here

Strawberry tree fruit (arbutus fruit)

The strawberry tree berries are typically ready for harvesting in the late autumn when the skins of the berries are very red and they are soft to touch.

A big pile of strawberry tree fruit on a white kitchen bench.

The arbutus fruit start out yellow and slowly change to red as they mature. The appearance reminds me of a small bright lychee.

With a delicate flavor they are sweetest and best consumed when bright red and very ripe. They can be eaten as they are straight from the tree or be made into a delicious arbutus jam.

Ingredients to make this jam

  • Strawberry tree fruits
  • Brown sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • Water

Strawberry tree jam

This jam is delicious spread on toast, stirred through unsweetened yogurt, as filling in cakes and desserts or as an accompaniment to roast meats and on cheese boards. Strawberry tree fruits jam is very ease to make. There is no peeling or cutting involved. Simply cook the fruit whole until it's soft.

How to make arbutus unedo jam

Strawberry tree jam is quick to make and only has a few ingredients.

strawberry tree fruit covered with water in a saucepan
  • The fruit goes straight into the sauce pan as they are, picked straight from the arbutus tree
  • Cover the strawberry trees fruit with water and bring to a boil
  • Cook for 20 minutes or until the fruit is soft
  • strain
  • cook the remaining clear liquid together with brown sugar and lemon juice until thickened.
  • Pour into a sterilized jar to cool
  • Enjoy!
straining the strawberry tree pulp through a fine sieve. Collecting the liquid in a glass bowl underneath
Strawberry tree jam

The skin of the fruit is quite grainy but once the pulp has been strained off the result is a smooth jam/ jelly that tastes amazing!

Making jams and preserves is a must do in autumn in my household. It's easy to make big batches of and can easily be jarred or frozen to use throughout the year.

Try this strawberry tree jam spread on these sunflower seed crackers and a nice cheese on top. Delicious!

Other easy preserves to do at home:

Apple sauce compote

green tomato chilli chutney

Easy no cook tomato pizza sauce

How to serve this jam

I like serving this amazing jam with:

  • as a spread in cakes, biscuits and desserts
  • Excellent on a cheese board
  • Perfect with a charcuterie board
  • Simply spread on buttered toast

Strawberry tree fruit benefits

The strawberry tree berry is a great source of vitamins and antioxidant.

In folk medicine, the plant has been used for treating rheumatism and urinary tract system amongst other things.

A gargle can be made for treating sore and irritated throats. Because of It's antiseptic properties the plant can be used against respiratory problems, wounds, and other skin infections.

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Did you make this easy strawberry tree jam? Please comment below. I love to hear from you!

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Rest Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 45 mins
Ratings 5 from 6 votes
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Best Season: Fall
Description

This arbutus berry jam/jelly recipe is made with only three simple ingredients and is quick and easy to make. Delicious spread on toast, stirred through unsweetened yogurt or as an accompaniment to roast meats and on a cheese board

strawberry tree fruit jam recipe
  • 2 Thirds strawberry tree fruit
  • 1 Third brown sugar
  • 1 Lemon (juice only)
  • water
Instructions
  1. 1
    strawberry tree fruit jellystraining the strawberry tree pulp through a fine sieve. Collecting the liquid in a glass bowl underneath

    To preparestrawberry tree fruit covered with water in a saucepan,

    • cover the strawberry trees fruit with water in a sauce pan and bring to a boil.
    • Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the fruit is soft.
    • Once the fruit is ready, drain through a fine sieve to eliminate the seeds and skin. A smooth liquid remains.
    • Pour the liquid back in the sauce pan with a third of the weight in brown sugar and the juice of a lemon. Cook until the jam has thickened.
    • Pour into a sterilized jar to cool.
    • Enjoy this tasty strawberry tree fruit jam!
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Read it online: https://myselfsufficientfoodjourney.com/recipe/strawberry-tree-jam/