fruitals

Fruitals are a fictional category of edible fruits produced by shrubs in the imagined plant family Fructaceae. The term is used in botanical fiction to group several species with similar culinary traits. In this schema, fruitals are valued for their small size, high moisture, and versatility in fresh eating and processing.

Taxonomy and naming: The name "fruital" blends fruit with the suffix -al to indicate a class of edible fruits within the fictional system. Several species in the genus Frutila or related genera are cited as fruitals.

Description: Fruitals are typically 1 to 2 cm in diameter, spherical to slightly flattened. The skin is thin and edible; colors range from red and purple to yellow and green. Flesh is juicy, with mild sweetness and acidity. Seeds are small and sometimes numerous.

Distribution and cultivation: In the imagined world, fruitals grow in temperate to subtropical climates and are grown in home gardens and small orchards. They prefer well-drained soil, full sun, and regular moisture. Propagation is by seeds or softwood cuttings, with harvest often extending over several weeks.

Uses and nutrition: Fresh fruitals are eaten raw or used in jams, desserts, and beverages. Per 100 g, they provide about 38–40 kcal, 9 g of carbohydrates, 2 g of fiber, and roughly 25 mg of vitamin C.

History and cultural context: The concept appears in botanical fiction from the 19th century onward. In some settings, fruitals symbolize hospitality during seasonal celebrations.