o:8784 Wild fruits as a culinary and medicinal resource: Ethnobotanical research for Niš District Самоникле воћке као кулинарски и лековити ресурс: Етноботаничкo истраживањe за Нишавски округ en sr 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. Keywords: wild fruits, Vaccinium myrtillus, Fragaria vesca, Cornus mas, Rubus fruticosus, ethnobotany, Niš District 1552100 978-86-903786-2-3 2025-12-21T22:44:30.724Z 44 yes 46 Slobodan A. Ćirić 46 Jovana D. Ickovski 46 Katarina D. Stepić 46 Radomir D. Ljupković 46 Tijana V. Jovanović 46 Marija S. Marković 0000-0002-6070-6844 46 Vesna P. Stankov Jovanović application/pdf 3937036 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:8784 no yes 16 70 92000004 71A05 Ethnobotany : book of abstracts / Third conference about medicinal and wild-growing edible plants, Pirot, Serbia, June 26 - 28. 2025. 119 120 Истраживачко друштво "Бабин нос", Темска, Пирот, Институт за шумарство, Београд, Штампарија "Свен", Ниш 2025