Ethnobotany : book of abstracts / Third conference about medicinal and wild-growing edible plants, Pirot, Serbia, June 26 - 28. 2025. startpage: 119 endpage: 120 info:eu-repo/semantics/conferenceProceedings Wild fruits as a culinary and medicinal resource: Ethnobotanical research for Niš District Истраживачко друштво "Бабин нос", Темска, Пирот, Институт за шумарство, Београд, Штампарија "Свен", Ниш https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:8784 ISBN: 978-86-903786-2-3 application/pdf 3937036 bytes http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode Keywords: wild fruits, Vaccinium myrtillus, Fragaria vesca, Cornus mas, Rubus fruticosus, ethnobotany, Niš District Abstract: Wild edible fruits have long been an integral part of traditional food systems and cultural practices in Serbia. This ethnobotanical study focuses on the traditional use of four commonly foraged wild fruits - blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca L.), dogwoods (Cornus mas L.), and wild blackberries (Rubus fruticosus L.) - in the Niš District. Fieldwork was conducted through online survey in order to document local knowledge and cultural significance. Among total 47 respondents, 8 reports use of blueberry, 7 reports use of blackberry, 13 reports use of wild strawberries and 3 use of reports dogwood. These fruits are traditionally consumed fresh or processed into jams, juices, syrups, and are also valued for their medicinal properties, particularly in supporting digestion, immunity, and cardiovascular health. The collection and use of these wild fruits are closely tied family traditions, often passed down orally through generations. This study highlights the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and promoting sustainable use of wild fruit resources. eng srp 2025 Ćirić, Slobodan A. Ickovski, Jovana D. Stepić, Katarina D. Ljupković, Radomir D. Jovanović, Tijana V. Marković, Marija S. Stankov Jovanović, Vesna P.