Corfu is famous for olive oil, kumquat and traditional dishes, but the island also has a fascinating world of old-fashioned fruits that many visitors never notice. Some still grow in village gardens, beside country roads or in small family orchards, while others have almost disappeared from local markets. As someone who grew up in Corfu, several of these fruits immediately remind me of older gardens, grandparents and the days when people simply picked whatever was ripe from the tree. Here are 12 Corfu fruits you may never have tried.
12Corfiot Wild Strawberries
These tiny strawberries are one of Corfu’s most special seasonal treats.
They are much smaller than supermarket strawberries, but their aroma can be incredibly intense. Older Corfiots traditionally distinguish them from the larger commercial strawberries commonly sold today.
The season is extremely short, mainly during May, and the fruit is delicate enough that it does not keep for long after picking.
Traditionally they have been associated with areas around the Halikiopoulou Lagoon and Perama, although today they are increasingly difficult to find.
Health benefits: Strawberries are naturally rich in vitamin C and contain antioxidant plant compounds, including anthocyanins. They also provide fibre and can be a nutritious seasonal snack when eaten fresh.
When to look for them: May.
