The Wonderful Arbutus (Arbutus unedo): Albania’s Hidden Treasure
Arbutus unedo, known locally as “mareja” or simply “mare,” is a unique and beautiful plant that thrives in the Albanian countryside, especially in the district of Berat. Its autumn beauty is striking, with bright green leaves, clusters of delicate white flowers, and vibrant red, yellow, and orange fruits. While it’s visually captivating, the plant is often overlooked in Albanian cooking, though a few locals do craft a traditional brandy called raki kocimarje from its fruits. Beyond its beauty, every part of the Arbutus plant—from its berries to its leaves—holds incredible value for health, culinary, and ecological purposes.
Distribution of Arbutus unedo
Arbutus unedo is widely found across the Mediterranean, extending through Albania, Portugal, Spain, France, and as far east as Turkey, Israel, and Jordan. It’s also present in western France, Bulgaria, and even southwestern Ireland, highlighting its adaptability to different climates and soils.
Culinary Uses
The berries of the Arbutus plant are rich in natural sugars (40%) and packed with vitamins such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, niacin, and tocopherols. These fruits also contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid precursors, making them a unique and healthy addition to the diet. While the berries can be eaten fresh, they’re delicate and easily bruised, so they are more commonly used in jams, marmalades, yogurts, and traditional alcoholic beverages. In Albania, mareja berries are distilled into raki kocimarje, adding a cultural dimension to its culinary significance.
The flowers, pollinated by bees, produce a distinctively bitter yet prized honey, showcasing another facet of this plant’s culinary appeal.
Herbal Medicine
The leaves of Arbutus unedo have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, often in decoctions, as an astringent, diuretic, urinary antiseptic, and even for rheumatism. The leaves contain a high concentration of flavonol antioxidants, notably quercetin, which is highly beneficial for health. Together with the fruit, these leaves provide a natural source of antioxidants and have been studied for potential benefits in managing hypertension and diabetes.
Ecological Significance
Arbutus unedo plays an important role in environmental conservation, offering multiple benefits:
- Soil Stabilization: With an extensive root system, it helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Wildlife Habitat: Its evergreen foliage provides year-round shelter for small animals and insects.
- Pollinator Support: The flowers supply nectar and pollen for bees, while the fruit provides food for birds.
- Fire Resistance and Ecosystem Restoration: Its resilience to fires allows it to regrow and potentially disrupt fire-prone monocultures of pine and eucalyptus. This makes Arbutus a valuable choice for reforestation and ecosystem restoration in Mediterranean areas, where its tolerance to poor soils and salt make it especially useful in coastal areas as a natural wind barrier.
Other Uses
The wood of Arbutus unedo is dense and durable, suitable for firewood and crafts, though not ideal for construction due to its twisted growth. Its ornamental appeal, with fragrant flowers and colorful fruits, makes it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping.
In summary, Arbutus unedo is a multifaceted plant that embodies natural beauty, cultural heritage, ecological value, and health benefits. It’s a true gem of the Albanian landscape and a worthy addition to gardens, conservation efforts, and culinary traditions.
