Nutritional Value of Edible Plants in the Wild

Arbutus wild berries have been traditionally collected and appreciated in the Mediterranean region, although it is actually considered an underutilized fruit-tree species. Increasing the scarce knowledge about its nutritional composition and natural production may interest a broad range of scholars, such as ethnobotanists, chemists, nutritionists and anthropologists. The present study aims to provide original data on the nutritional value and the biomass production of wild strawberry-tree fruits, studying the variation of these characteristics in fruits harvested in different years, from two different Spanish areas. Macro and micronutrient composition of mature Arbutus unedo fruits have been analyzed, with particular attention to the content of some bioactive compounds (fiber, vitamin C as ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids, total phenolics, carotenoids, including lycopene) and the organic acids profile. The contribution to recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) of this exotic fruit has also been calculated. Fruit crop volume per tree has been estimated as well in the wild strawberry-tree populations surveyed to provide a general framework for discussing the agronomic potential of the species. 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.

The article discusses the consequences of iodine deficiency observed in most countries in the World. Iodine deficiency can cause birth defects, permanent mental and physical disabilities and increase the risk of premature death. Biofortification is the production of micronutrient-rich crops. It is an alternative approach to combat mineral malnutrition. Biofortified crops will be low-energy-dense products high consumption will further prevent an increasingly overweight and obesity among people. Potato may be a good carrier of iodine due to the high consumption of this vegetable among people throughout the year. This publication focuses on collecting information on the biofortification effectiveness of potato-the most consumed vegetable in Poland, and kale which is not very popular among these consumers. Due to its high nutrient content, it is worth promoting the increased consumption of kale among people. Biofortification with iodine of kale will further improve its nutritional value.

RESUMEN En la presente revisión se aborda el papel que tienen las plantas silvestres comestibles como parte del patrimonio biocultural, haciendo énfasis en el caso de México, país con gran riqueza y complejidad en torno a este patrimonio, debido a su condición como un territorio megadiverso y su gran diversidad cultural. La revisión de literatura permite sugerir que de las más de 22 mil plantas vasculares mexicanas reportadas, el 32% son útiles (considerando diversos usos) y el 9% son comestibles (cultivadas y silvestres), estimándose que entre estas últimas el 89% son silvestres. A esta riqueza de especies silvestres se le suma la variedad de formas de manejo implícitas en su aprovechamiento, las cuales pueden originar procesos de domesticación incipiente, siendo un componente que le otorga complejidad al patrimonio biocultural. Asimismo, con la finalidad de dar una idea sobre la gran riqueza de plantas silvestres comestibles mexicanas, vale la pena mencionar que dicha cifra estimada cuadruplica el total de especies silvestres reportadas con este uso para España; e incluso supera lo reportado para toda Europa, y es cercana o similar a la de otros países megadiversos y multiculturales como Ecuador. Por otro lado, también se presenta información sobre la importancia de estos recursos en términos de seguridad y soberanía alimentaria, así como de algunos factores socioculturales que erosionan el conocimiento tradicional asociado a su uso. La presencia de este vasto patrimonio en México es un privilegio, cuya conservación representa una enorme responsabilidad que debe ser asumida por todos los sectores de la sociedad.

ABSTRACT This review addresses the role of wild edible plants as part of the biocultural heritage, emphasizing the case of Mexico, a region of the world with a great richness and complexity around this heritage, due to its status as a megadiverse territory and its great cultural diversity. The literature review suggests that of the more than 22 thousand Mexican vascular plants reported, 32% are useful (considering various uses) and 9% are edible (cultivated and wild), estimating that among the latter 89% are wild. In addition to this richness of wild species, the variety... in their use can originate incipient domestication, which can origin incipient domestication processes, being a component that gives complexity to the biocultural heritage. Likewise, in order to give an idea about the great richness of Mexican edible wild plants, it is worth mentioning that the forementioned estimated figure quadruples the total of wild species reported with this use for Spain; and and it is even larger than the figure for whole Europe, and is similar to the reported for other megadiverse and multicultural countries such as Ecuador. On the other hand, information about the importance of these resources in terms of food security and sovereignty is also presented, as well as some sociocultural factors that erode the traditional knowledge associated with their use. The presence of this vast heritage in Mexico is a privilege, towhich conservation represents an enormous responsibility that must be assumed by all sectors of society.

This work reviews literature on ethnobotanical knowledge of wild edible plants and their potential role in combating food insecurity in Ethiopia. Information on a total of 413 wild edible plants belonging to 224 genera and 77 families was compiled in this review. Shrubs represented 31% of species followed by trees (30%), herbs (29%) and climbers (9%). Families Fabaceae (35 species), Tiliaceae (20) and Capparidaceae (19) were found to be represented by the highest number of edible species. About 56% (233) of species have edibility reports from more than one community in Ethiopia. Fruits were reported as the commonly utilized edible part in 51% of species. It was found that studies on wild edible plants of Ethiopia cover only about 5% of the country's districts which indicates the need for more ethnobotanical research addressing all districts. Although there have been some attempts to conduct nutritional analyses of wild edible plants, available results were found to be insignificant when compared to the wild edible plant wealth of the country. Results also show that wild edible plants of Ethiopia are used as supplementary, seasonal or survival food sources in many cultural groups, and hence play a role in combating food insecurity. The presence of anthropogenic and environmental factors affecting the wild plant wealth of the country calls for immediate action so as to effectively document, produce a development plan and utilize the plants.

La relaci6n existente entre alimentacidn y salud ha evoluGonado de f o m diversa a lo largo de la historia. Desde la antigüedad se habían considerado dos mundos compktamenw i n m l acionados, como nos muestra el ctlebre concejo que Cervantes (1615: cap. XLIII, 16lv) poneen boca de Don Quijote: 'come poco y cena más poco que la salud de todo el cuerpo se fragua en la oficina del est6magon. Es decir, ce pensaba que nuestra salud dependia en gran medida de lo que comiarnos y que e1 ectbmago era la farmacia rofiina") en la que se procesaban nuestros ahmentos que a la vez eran medicinas. Esta consideración de muchos alimentos como medicina Ia encontramos ya en escritos de autores griegos, del siglo m a. C. como Teofrasto (19881, o del siglo I como Dioscorides (Laguna, 1555), así como en la tra'hcidn popular recogida en muchos trabajos etnobotánicos recientes, tanto en España (p. ej. Bonet y Vallb, 2002; Pellicer, 2004; Verde ct d., 2003), como en el resto del mundo (p. ej. Pieroni y Price, 2006).

Montia fontana L. is an aquatic plant traditionally consumed in the Centre and West of the Iberian Peninsula, where it is one of the most highly valued wild vegetables. The aim of this work was to evaluate both the natural yield and nutritional value of this scarcely known plant. Two wild populations, from two different sites of Central Spain, were sampled during three consecutive years. Plant production was estimated by two parameters: production per unit of surface and plant percentage cover in the selected site. Nutritional ...

"The proximate, functional properties, In-vitro multi enzyme
protein digestibility and amino acid composition of velvet
tamarind (Dalium guineense) pulps were evaluated. The ash,
moisture, crude fat, crude fibre, crude protein and carbohydrate of
the velvet tamarind (Dalium guineense) pulp were: 4.63%, 8.22%,
5.80%, 7.15%, 24.3% and 49.9% respectively. The water and oil
absorption capacities were: 238% and 162% which makes the pulp
exhibit a high water retention capacity. The least gelation
concentration was 17.0% while the foaming capacity and stability
were: 43.5% and 62.2% respectively. The in-vitro protein
digestibility was 66%. Glutamic acid was the most concentrated
amino acid with the value of 14.8 mg/g crude protein while
histidine (2.12 mg/g crude protein) was the least concentrated
amino acid. The % total essential amino acid with histidine was
34.2% while the % total essential amino acid with histidine was
60.8%. The calculated isoelectric point was 0.54 while the
predicted protein efficiency ratio (P-PER*) was 2.62."

Cirina forda (Westwood, 1849) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) is a Lepidoptera species whose larvae are eaten in West Africa. In Togo, larvae of C. forda are eaten and sold in northern part of the country, by Moba people. However no, scientific information was recorded on this practice. The objective of this study is to increase the value of this edible unconventional resource to ensure food security. The research was carried out in three villages in the study area and 300 actors were surveyed in two main markets of the Savannah Region in order to obtain information about the availability of caterpillars in a year period; their collection, cooking and conservation techniques; financial income and distribution channels. The nutritional value of C. forda larva was also evaluated through biochemical analyses. The period of availability of C. forda larva goes from July to September and mostly during the rainy season. The collection, conversion and sale of C. forda larva are activities occurred in all surveyed villagers. People of different sexes and ages carry out this activity. However, resale strictly involves women. Wholesalers buy C. forda caterpillars from collectors and sell them to middlemen who, on their turn, sell them to retailers. The average price of C. forda caterpillar increases from collectors to wholesalers, from wholesalers to middlemen and from middlemen to retailers, but the margins of profit are in the reverse order. The margins of profit on one kilogram are 600 F CFA, 287.5 F CFA, 187.5 F CFA and 125 F CFA for collectors, wholesalers, middlemen and retailers respectively. As far as the nutritional value is concerned, raw as well as converted C. forda caterpillar contains less water, but a lot of ashes, proteins, high in crude fibers and minerals with significant differences sometimes. Consequently, C. forda caterpillar is a good food resource and provides significant incomes for poor people in the north of Togo. This study lays the foundation of a program aimed at increasing the economic value of this unconventional food resource in Togo.

Background: Wild plant gathering is an essential element in livelihood strategies all over the world. However due to changing circumstances in Europe, the reason for gathering has altered from one of necessity in the past to a pleasurable activity today. Wild plant gathering has therefore also received renewed attention as a form of intangible cultural heritage expressing local preferences, habits and man's relationship with nature. In the Biosphere Reserve Grosses Walsertal (Austria), local people's knowledge of the gathering of wild plants and their perception of their own gathering activities are being documented. The focus of this paper is on the uses of herbal teas and the informal guidelines for gathering plants that have been issued by the Bergtee (mountain tea) association. Methods: Thirty-six free-list interviews were conducted with subsequent semi-structured interviews and three focus group meetings held with members of the Bergtee association. Participatory observation (gathering and processing plants, mixing and marketing tea) also allowed for greater understanding of what had been reported.

The wild edible mushroom ‘digüeñe’ (Cyttaria espinosae) is a mushroom with interesting flavor and nutritional properties, but highly perishable with a consumption very limited, generating inevitable economic losses for their producers. Because of that, the aim of this study was the evaluation of two drying methods (hot-air drying and freeze-drying) in its bioactive and physicochemical composition for its preservation. The best performances of antioxidant capacity were 62 μmol TE g−1 (ORAC) and 14.21 μmol TE g−1 (DPPH), being higher compared with other vegetable sources. Its protein (5.33 %), fiber (5.58 %) and K (2.82 mg g−1) content also stands out. β-Carotene retention was 35.02 and 23.25 % after freeze drying and hot-air, respectively. Freeze-drying seems a good strategy for digüeñe, bioactive compounds, color and structure were better maintained. This work represents the first characterization of dehydrated digüeñe, constituting approaches for its valorization and use in the food industry.

Montia fontana L. is an aquatic plant traditionally consumed in the Centre and West of the Iberian Peninsula, where it is one of the most highly valued wild vegetables. The aim of this work was to evaluate both the natural yield and nutritional value of this scarcely known plant. Two wild populations, from two different sites of Central Spain, were sampled during three consecutive years. Plant production was estimated by two parameters: production per unit of surface and plant percentage cover in the selected site. Nutritional analyses included proximate composition and total energy, mineral macro and microelements, vitamin C, and organic acids. Mean yield at the growing areas was 2.64 kg/m 2 , though significant differences among sites and years were found. There was a positive correlation between production and accumulated rainfall from the beginning of the year till the collecting dates. The percentage cover of the species in the potential growing area was 8.25%, without significant differences among sites and years. Therefore, the wild populations of the species can reach a total mean production of 2,138 kg/ha in this Spanish region. This is the first report of a global nutrient composition for Montia fontana. After

Wild blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) fruits as valuable sources of antioxidants. Abstract-Introduction. Many underutilized wild fruits have great nutritional and functional potential, providing chemical compounds with biological properties. Materials and methods. In the present work we quantified bioactive compounds such as vitamin C (ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids), and total phenolic compounds composed mainly of phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins, as well as evaluating the antioxidant capacity through different in vitro tests (Folin-Ciocalteu, ABTS •+ , DPPH • and FRAP) in wild blackthorn (P. spinosa L.) and hawthorn (C. monogyna Jacq.) fruits of Spanish origin, including samples from different seasons and locations. Results and discussion. As expected, wide variability was found in the composition of fruits of the same species, which justifies the necessity of analyzing several batches of wild fruits, in order to have representative results taking into account the natural variability. Fruits of P. spinosa showed vitamin C content ranging between (5.14 and 15.35) mg•100 g-1 fw (mainly dehydroascorbic acid); total phenolic compounds ranged from (1851 to 3825) mg•100 g-1 fw, characterized by a high content of anthocyanins and phenolic acids. Fruits of C. monogyna presented (16 to 39) mg vitamin C•100 g-1 fw and (449 to 1438) mg total phenolic compounds•100 g-1 fw, characterized by a high content of phenolic acids and flavonols. Antioxidant capacity was higher for P. spinosa fruits than for C. monogyna fruits; DPPH • values showed a strong correlation with vitamin C, while phenolic compounds were a major contributor to the antioxidant activity of these fruit extracts. Fruits of P. spinosa and C. monogyna should be reconsidered as new valuable sources of safe and inexpensive antioxidants. Spain / Prunus spinosa / Crataegus monogyna / fruits / antioxidants / ascorbic acid / phenolic compounds / flavonoids / anthocyanins Les fruits du prunellier sauvage (Prunus spinosa L.) et de l'aubépine (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) sont de précieuses sources d'antioxydants. Résumé-Introduction. Beaucoup de fruits d'espèces sauvages sous-utilisées ont un grand potentiel nutritionnel et fonctionnel car ils offrent des composés chimiques présentant des propriétés biologiques. Matériel et méthodes. Dans notre travail, nous avons quantifié les composés bioactifs tels que la vitamine C (acide ascorbique et acide déhydroascorbique), les composés totaux phénoliques constitués principalement par des acides phénoliques, des flavonols et des anthocyanines, et nous avons évalué la capacité antioxydante à l'aide de différents tests in vitro (Folin-Ciocalteu, ABTS •+ , DPPH • , et FRAP) dans des fruits du prunellier sauvage (P. spinosa L.) et de l'aubépine (C. monogyna Jacq.) d'origine espagnole, à partir d'échantillons de différentes saisons et lieux. Résultats et discussion. Comme prévu, la composition des fruits d'une même espèce a présenté une grande variabilité ce qui a justifié d'analyser plusieurs lots de fruits sauvages, afin de disposer de résultats représentatifs tenant compte de la variabilité naturelle. Les fruits de P. spinosa ont montré une teneur en vitamine C comprise entre (5.14 et 15.35) mg•100 g-1 mf (principalement constituée d'acide déhydroascorbique) ; les composés phénoliques totaux ont varié de (1851 à 3825) mg•100 g-1 mf ; ils ont été caractérisés par une haute teneur en anthocyanes et en acides phénoliques. Les fruits de M. crataegus ont présenté de (16 à 39) mg de vitamine C•100 g-1 mf et de (449 à 1438) mg de composés phénoliques totaux•100 g-1 mf, caractérisés par une haute teneur en acides phénoliques et en flavonoïdes. La capacité antioxydante a été plus élevée pour les fruits de P. spinosa que pour ceux de C. monogyna ; l'activité antioxydante du test DPPH • a montré une forte corrélation avec la teneur en vitamine C, tandis que les composés phénoliques ont été un contributeur majeur de l'activité antioxydante des extraits de fruits étudiés. Les fruits de P. spinosa et C. monogyna devraient être mieux considérés en tant que nouvelles sources d'antioxydants sûrs et peu coûteux.

The intake of traditionally consumed wild edible species is nowadays receiving renewed attention, due to the recognition of their potential benefits for human health. This paper represents a contribution to the knowledge of the chemical composition of different wild and under-utilized vegetables of the Mediterranean area, concerning their organic acid profile and the distribution of ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids as vitamin C activity. Fifteen species, belonging to ten botanical families, were selected, analyzing two samples of each one from two different localities of Central Spain. Each species showed a specific organic acids fingerprint. Citric acid was 90% of total organic acids in Tamus communis; malic acid was the major one in Humulus lupulus, Taraxacum obovatum and Cichorium intybus, and oxalic acid was the main organic acid in Beta maritima, Papaver rhoeas, Silybum marianum, Foeniculum vulgare, Rumex pulcher, Silene vulgaris, Scolymus hispanicus, Rumex papillaris and Bryonia dioica. The distribution of ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acid was highly variable. Mean values for total vitamin C ranged between 1.5 and 79.4 mg/100 g. Tamus communis, R. pulcher, S. vulgaris and B. dioica, showed the highest content of AA, and together with F. vulgare and H. lupulus, the highest total vitamin C content. These results can be useful to complete food composition databases with the inclusion of wild vegetables from the Mediterranean area, contributing to enhance the diversity of the diet as well as its nutritional quality.

Background: Wild edible plants (WEP) provide staple and supplement foods, as well as cash income to local communities, thus favouring food security. However, WEP are largely ignored in land use planning and implementation, economic development, and biodiversity conservation. Moreover, WEP-related traditional knowledge is rapidly eroding. Therefore, we designed this study to fulfill a part of the knowledge gap by providing data on diversity, traditional knowledge, economic potential, and conservation value of WEP from Nepal.

A variability genetic analysis was carried out among Minthostachys verticillata populations collected in the central and northwest region of Argentina. 93 plants from nine locations were analyzed by PCR, developing EST-SSR primers from the database of Mentha spp. AMOVA analysis revealed that variability was higher among populations than within them (93% vs. 7%).The highest percentage of polymorphic loci corresponded to the locations from Padre Monti (75%) and Cortaderas (70.83%). Three groups were identified by cluster analysis following a geographic gradient. The genetic variability found in this study is greater than the phytochemical variability represented in previous studies.

Arbutus wild berries have been traditionally collected and appreciated in the Mediterranean region, although it is actually considered an underutilized fruit-tree species. Increasing the scarce knowledge about its nutritional composition and natural production may interest a broad range of scholars, such as ethnobotanists, chemists, nutritionists and anthropologists. The present study aims to provide original data on the nutritional value and

Montia fontana L. is an aquatic plant traditionally consumed in the Centre and West of the Iberian Peninsula, where it is one of the most highly valued wild vegetables. The aim of this work was to evaluate both the natural yield and nutritional value of this scarcely known plant. Two wild populations, from two different sites of Central Spain, were sampled during three consecutive years. Plant production was estimated by two parameters: production per unit of surface and plant percentage cover in the selected site. Nutritional analyses included proximate composition and total energy, mineral macro and microelements, vitamin C, and organic acids. Mean yield at the growing areas was 2.64 kg/m2, though significant differences among sites and years were found. There was a positive correlation between production and accumulated rainfall from the beginning of the year till the collecting dates. The percentage cover of the species in the potential growing area was 8.25%, without significant differences among sites and years. Therefore, the wild populations of the species can reach a total mean production of 2,138 kg/ha in this Spanish region. This is the first report of a global nutrient composition for Montia fontana. After moisture, the major constituent was fibre (4.44%), much higher than many cultivated vegetables. Also appreciable amounts of vitamin C (34 mg/100 g) and Mn (1.07 mg/100 g) were found. Due to its high lipid content (1.94%) this wild vegetable could be regarded as one of the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids among the leafy vegetables. This species can be considered an interesting wild resource for being included in the diet. Further research is needed for addressing its potential for being cultivated under different culture systems and for selecting accessions with lower oxalate content.

A variability genetic analysis was carried out among Minthostachys verticillata populations collected in the central and northwest region of Argentina. 93 plants from nine locations were analyzed by PCR, developing EST-SSR primers from the database of Mentha spp. AMOVA analysis revealed that variability was higher among populations than within them (93% vs. 7%).The highest percentage of polymorphic loci corresponded to the locations from Padre Monti (75%) and Cortaderas (70.83%). Three groups were identified by cluster analysis following a geographic gradient. The genetic variability found in this study is greater than the phytochemical variability represented in previous studies.

The study deals with total phenolic, total flavonoid and luteolin contents of some important wild edible species of the region namely Prunus armeniaca, Pueraria tuberosa, Myrica esculenta, Hippophae rhamnoides and Callicarpa macrophylla.  Luteolin content was recorded in the range of 209 – 662 mg/kg in the edible parts of the species investigated. The highest luteolin was recorded in M. esculenta fruits and lowest in P. tuberosa roots (rhizomes). The study leads to the conclusion that greater awareness and promotion of these wild edibles may address the issue of nutritional security among rural and forest-dependent communities. Wild species can be utilized for preparation of value added products like health drinks, nutraceuticals, etc thus supporting and enhancing the economic status of the region.

Natural health products are in high demand due to changing consumer concerns and attitudes. Increasingly popular among them are functional foods and nutraceuticals that beyond their basic nutritional functions contain natural bioactive chemical compounds with scientifically proven properties to provide health benefits and/or prevent diseases. Novel forest-based nutraceuticals include plant sterols, polyphenols, sugars, etc. A growing area of interest is the impact of trace chemicals, collectively called phytochemicals upon human health. Herbal components are among the key ingredients of functional foods and enjoy a good share in the functional food market. For centuries, diverse forest ecosystems provided nutritious foods for its aboriginal inhabitants. Such food plants could provide economic development opportunity for their commercial exploitation in the form of functional food and nutraceuticals which is potentially lucrative and sustainable. The challenge lies in isolating the effective ingredients in a cost-effective manner while maintaining their inherent functional and nutritional traits and converting them into marketable plant based nuratceutical products.

Montia fontana L. is an aquatic plant traditionally consumed in the Centre and West of the Iberian Peninsula, where it is one of the most highly valued wild vegetables. The aim of this work was to evaluate both the natural yield and nutritional value of this scarcely known plant. Two wild populations, from two different sites of Central Spain, were sampled during three consecutive years. Plant production was estimated by two parameters: production per unit of surface and plant percentage cover in the selected site. Nutritional analyses included proximate composition and total energy, mineral macro and microelements, vitamin C, and organic acids. Mean yield at the growing areas was 2.64 kg/m 2 , though significant differences among sites and years were found. There was a positive correlation between production and accumulated rainfall from the beginning of the year till the collecting dates. The percentage cover of the species in the potential growing area was 8.25%, without significant differences among sites and years. Therefore, the wild populations of the species can reach a total mean production of 2,138 kg/ha in this Spanish region. This is the first report of a global nutrient composition for Montia fontana.

Nutritive value of an invasive exotic plant species, Prosopis glandulosa Torr. var. glandulosa, and five indigenous plant species commonly browsed by livestock in Bokspits, Rapplespan, Vaalhoek and Struizendam (BORAVAST), southwest Botswana, was determined and compared. These five indigenous plant species were Vachellia hebeclada (DC.) Kyal. & Boatwr. subsp. hebeclada, Vachellia erioloba (E. Mey.) P.J.H. Hurter, Senegalia mellifera (Vahl) Seigler & Ebinger subsp. detinens (Burch.) Kyal. & Boatwr., Boscia albitrunca (Burch.) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. var. albitrunca and Rhigozum trichotomum Burch. The levels of Crude Protein (CP), Phosphorus (P), Calcium (C), Magnesium (Mg), Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) were determined for the plants foliage and pods (where available). All plant species had a CP value higher than the recommended daily intake. There are however multiple mineral deficiencies in the plant species analysed. Nutritive value of Prosopis glandulosa is comparable to those other spec...

Arbutus wild berries have been traditionally collected and appreciated in the Mediterranean region, although it is actually considered an underutilized fruit-tree species. Increasing the scarce knowledge about its nutritional composition and natural production may interest a broad range of scholars, such as ethnobotanists, chemists, nutritionists and anthropologists. The present study aims to provide original data on the nutritional value and the biomass production of wild strawberry-tree fruits, studying the variation of these characteristics in fruits harvested in different years, from two different Spanish areas. Macro and micronutrient composition of mature Arbutus unedo fruits have been analyzed, with particular attention to the content of some bioactive compounds (fiber, vitamin C as ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids, total phenolics, carotenoids, including lycopene) and the organic acids profile. The contribution to recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) of this exotic fruit has also been calculated. Fruit crop volume per tree has been estimated as well in the wild strawberry-tree populations surveyed to provide a general framework for discussing the agronomic potential of the species. 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.