Arbutus

Arbutus unedo (Ericaceae): Medronheiro

History: its name comes from Latin, arbutus meaning shrub, and "unedo" meaning "I eat one", referring to the fact that the fruit is purgative in high doses.

Culinary interest: the fresh fruit is edible. It is used to make jam, wine and brandy among the most famous in Portugal.

Medicinal interest: its wood is used for its richness in tannin. The whole shrub is known to be anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and diuretic.

Chestnut

Castanea sativa (Fagaceae): Castanheiro

History: Native to North America, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Its name comes from the Greek 'kastanou' which designates the chestnut. He was nicknamed the breadfruit tree in the Middle Ages where he was a staple for humans and livestock. Astringent bark because of its tannin content.

Culinary interest: excellent edible fruit, roasted in the oven, mashed or candied with sugar, it is also very popular for its flour.

Medicinal value: remineralizing, fresh fruit contains as much vitamin C as lemon.

Laurel noble

Laurus nobilis (Lauraceae): Loureiro

History: Originally from Asia Minor, he crowned the heroes in full glory in ancient Greece. He gave the word winner. She is the plant of self-confidence.

Culinary interest: it is one of the major aromatic plants in the kitchen. Its leaves help to notify digestion. Its wood is also used for the realization of aromatic kebabs.

Medicinal value: its essential oil is mainly used for its powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral and fungicidal properties. It is precisely indicated in cases of viral diseases (flu, cooling ...) and or, but also for certain skin disorders. Note that an oil is extracted by hot pressing of berries, very effective in relieving painful joints.