Elaeagnus umbellata

Elaeagnus umbellata and Elaeagnus multiflora are deciduous, spreading shrubs of the Elaeagnaceae family, native to East Asia. Botanically, they are specific in their ability to symbiotically fix atmospheric nitrogen and in their leaves and shoots covered with silvery to brownish scales. The fruit is a small, red, juicy drupe (pseudodrupe), often dotted with typical spots. Nutritionally, the fruits are unique in their presence of essential fatty acids in the pulp and seeds, as well as their above-average content of protein and vitamins A, C, and E. The phytochemical profile is exceptional due to the extremely high concentration of carotenoids, especially lycopene (often in quantities exceeding those found in tomatoes), which, together with phenolic compounds, gives them strong antioxidant properties.