The Arbutus berry: Studies on its color and chemical characteristics at two mature stages

This study aims at the determination of some physical and chemical characteristics of strawberry-tree fruit (Arbutus unedo L.), a typical Mediterranean climate species, namely of the Portuguese region of Algarve. It intends to be a contribution to its valorization and other applications following research by other scientists and local development associations as far as a better quality of alcoholic distillate of arbutus berry is concerned. Arbutus berry appears to be a good source of vitamins, namely niacin, ascorbic acid and beta -carotene (content of 9.1, 346.3 and 70.9 mg/100 g, respectively), organic acids (nearly 9%), total sugars (c. 42%) and tannins (1.75 mg g(-1)). (C) 2001 Academic Press.