What are lingonberries?

Lingonberries are small red fruits that are closely related to cranberries. In fact, some people call lingonberries "mountain cranberries" or "dry swamps", which can lead to some confusion because there are some differences between plants and their fruit. Lingonberries can be found widely distributed across the mountains of the northern hemisphere and are popular food berries, especially in Scandinavia.

The English name for this fruit is taken directly from the Swedish . Botanists know Lingonberries as Vaccinium vitis-idaea , and some people also refer to them as "cogies", perhaps because they are traditionally used as cows and reindeer. Lingonberry Relish is also a traditional accompaniment for many masses in Scandinavia, similar to cranberry sauce in more southern climate.

Lingonberry Bush is a small evergreen shrub with a creeping habit that prefers moist, acid soil.and mosses. Lingonberries are spreading using rhizomes, large underground root systems and producing small white flowers that are shaped as bells. Flowers develop in bright red fruit that can be rejected during the harvest. Although the red color can be tempting, these berries are intensively bitter, so consumers usually resist the urge to eat them simple.

In addition to being in Scandinavia, they also grow in North America and in Russia. These small red fruits are not as widely cultivated as cranberries and can be difficult to get outside their native habitat, despite the efforts of Lingonberry farmers who would like to see a wider fruit market. Like cranberries, lingonberries are clearly cake and usually before with harmonizing; Lingonberry Jam, Syrup and Compote are all common offers in Scandinavia and can also be used to make enjoyment and sauces.

In addition to sharingLingonberries also have the same chemical compounds that fight infections, especially urinary tract infections. In addition, they have a high content of vitamins A, B and C, along with essential fatty acids. In the cold climate of Scandinavia preserved Lingonberries probably helped people go through the winter without a prepared source of vegetables. If you do not live in a region where fresh Lingonberries are available, you can find them in the form of canning or jam, especially if you have a large Swedish population.