Do you know that in the world there is a berry very reminiscent of raspberries? This cloudberry is a golden amber sour berry, common in the marshy northern regions of Russia, in the Scandinavian countries, Canada and some US states. The scientific name of this culture comes from the Greek word, which translates as “dwarf mulberry.”
What does cloudberry look like?
The plant Rubus chamaemorus is commonly known as cloudberry. It is a juicy berry with a pleasant taste and aroma. Several varieties of this plant are known, but any of them are difficult to find anywhere else outside the northern regions. This is one of the few berries that can withstand even 40-degree frosts. ..
They are often paired with blueberries and are usually exclusively found in the wild. farmer-online.com… Cloudberry is not cultivated commercially as it is very difficult to create the conditions necessary for its growth.
Outwardly, the berry resembles a raspberry, but much less – it usually does not grow above 20 cm. The fruiting period is very short: blooming in June, in July it already pleases with fruits that beckon with an amber shine at the tips of vertical stems. The cloudberry season ends by mid-August. Interestingly, at first its berries are red, but in the process of ripening they turn into “gold”. By the way, unlike many other berries, cloudberries give fruits not in clusters, but in single specimens farmer-online.com.
In Russia, in ancient times, cloudberries were valued for their weight in gold. The berry has always enjoyed the same respect in the countries of the Scandinavian region.
Amazing composition of berries
Cloudberries are rich in vitamin C and benzoic acid, which act as natural preservatives. By the way, the concentration of ascorbic acid in cloudberries is twice the amount of this vitamin in oranges. In addition, the berry contains many of the B vitamins, vitamins A and E, rich in phosphorus, iron, magnesium, cobalt, silicon, calcium, fiber, pectin and tannins. Cloudberries are a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, carotenoids, phytosterols, and protein. It is a true multivitamin plant, a powerful source of beneficial minerals and antioxidants. ...
Nutrition Facts (per 100 g) ..
Calories 50 kcal Proteins 2 g Fats 1 g Carbohydrates 9,6 g Water 84 g Calcium 17 mg Magnesium 40,8 mg Phosphorus 53 mg Potassium 231 mg Sodium 0,6 mg Iron 0,4 mg Zinc 0,7 mg Copper 0,1 mg Manganese 0,5 mg Vitamin C 130 mg Vitamin B1 0,05 mg Vitamin B2 0,07 mg Vitamin B3 0,9 mg
Useful Properties
Not only berries, but also the leaves of this plant are rich in vitamins. The tea brewed from them is useful for treating bladder and urinary tract infections. In folk medicine, this plant is known as a diuretic, it is used to improve digestion and stop internal bleeding. A decoction from the roots of the plant is known as a remedy for female infertility. In Scandinavia, cloudberry root has been used to treat fever and cough.
The berry is useful for the cardiovascular system, helps with diseases of the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, prevents anemia and treats chronic fatigue syndrome. It speeds up metabolism and improves the functioning of the respiratory system, nourishes the skin and hair, and heals burns.
Do you think that these are all the beneficial properties of the northern berry? You are wrong! Its benefits are tangible when you need to speed up wound healing, cure a cold, or get rid of an infection. Cloudberry is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It prevents aging and strengthens the immune system, destroys intestinal parasites (including lamblia), staphylococcus and salmonella bacteria.
Effects on the body
Immunity
The high content of vitamins C and A makes cloudberries a very important food for the immune system. Do you want to know why? Vitamin C, for example, stimulates the production of white blood cells (aka leukocytes) – substances that protect the body from viruses and disease. In addition, ascorbic acid is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. The second powerful antioxidant vitamin known to science is vitamin A. It also protects the body from “pests”, strengthens its ability to resist viruses and slows down the aging process.
Blood circulation
Cloudberries contain many important minerals for health. There is also hardware on this list. Why is it so important? At least due to the fact that iron is the main component of the process of hematopoiesis in the body, on which the level of hemoglobin depends. And the hemoglobin index directly affects the quality of blood circulation, supply of organs with nutrients and, most importantly, oxygen. Difficult process, isn’t it? And its adequacy depends on a small cloudberry berry. Well, we also need to remind you that iron intake is the best prevention of anemia. Although you probably already know this yourself.
Heart and blood vessels
Fat isn’t always a bad thing. Just remember fish oil, which is considered one of the most beneficial substances for humans. This is because the main component of fish oil is Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, fish is not the only natural source of healthy fats. It may seem strange to some, but healthy fats are also found in berries. Those same omega-3 fatty acids are found in impressive quantities in cloudberries. In addition, it is paired with another useful complex – Omega-6. In truth, neither the first nor the second component is typical of berries. And this is the whole uniqueness of cloudberries. Omega acids are the best medicine and prophylactic agent for the heart and blood vessels.
It has also been proven that this northern berry is able to remove excess cholesterol from the body, cleansing blood vessels and thereby reducing excessive stress on the heart.
Detoxification
For many years, the fruits of this plant have been used as a diuretic when it is necessary to remove toxins from the body, eliminate excess fluid, salts and even fats. Berries are useful for cleansing the liver and reducing the burden on the kidneys.
Antioxidants
In addition to vitamin C, cloudberries contain phytosterols and carotenoids – substances with antioxidant properties (5). But that’s not all. Ellagic acid, a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from malignant tumors and premature aging, has also been found in the sweet and sour cloudberry fruit. In addition, the berries, according to the researchers, have more than once proven their effectiveness in the fight against bacteria and viruses.
Digestion
Fiber-rich foods are ideal for improving the functioning of the digestive organs. Think you should only look for fiber in dense fruits and vegetables like apples or beets? You are wrong. Juicy cloudberries, despite their delicate texture, also contain fiber. This means that it also stimulates peristalsis, prevents flatulence and abdominal pain. And like other foods rich in dietary fiber, the berry improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin, removes toxic substances and toxins from the intestines. Phenolic compounds contained in cloudberries inhibit the multiplication of pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract ..
Bones
This may surprise some, but cloudberries are also beneficial for bone strength. This plant is rich in magnesium, which is a key component for adequate calcium absorption by the body. Therefore, in order to exclude the danger of osteoporosis from your life, to protect yourself from fractures and thinning of bones, you need to eat this northern berry.
However, people suffering from high acidity of the stomach should not forget that cloudberry is an acidic berry, and its juice irritates the mucous membrane of the digestive system. People prone to allergies will also have to try the fruits with caution, since this northern visitor can cause unwanted reactions.
Use in cosmetology
Delicate and juicy cloudberry pulp rejuvenates the skin, makes it supple and radiant 1… This is a laboratory proven fact. Several studies indicate that thanks to ellagic acid, cloudberries are beneficial in preventing skin cancer. Its rich mineral and vitamin composition is important for the restoration of the beautiful appearance and health of hair and nails.
That is why many manufacturers of skin care cosmetics add northern berry extract to their products.
What to cook from cloudberries
It is clear that raw berries are the healthiest and contain the maximum amount of medicinal components. .… But the season for fresh cloudberries is very short, and you want to enjoy the healthy berries as long as possible. In the northern regions, it is customary to harvest cloudberries in the form of jam and juices. Compotes are prepared from it, added to desserts, whole berries are frozen or mashed from them 1… In Finland, a liqueur is made from cloudberries, which got its own name – lakka, known for its beneficial properties. The Swedes add berries to mushroom dishes and cheese, while the British use cloudberries in desserts.
Protein and berry dessert
Meringue is an original and sophisticated dessert, and in combination with cloudberries, it is also healthy. For the dish you will need 5 egg whites, 50 g of sugar, juice of 1 lime, 2 tsp. water, 100 g of cloudberries, a little butter (for greasing the molds), vanilla.
While the oven is heating to 250 degrees Celsius, the cloudberries need to be rubbed through a fine sieve. Mix the lime juice, water, sugar and vanilla separately and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally (the sugar should dissolve). Beat the whites into a cool foam, slowly add the chilled syrup, berry puree to the mass and beat again. Grease the portion molds with butter and put the fruit and protein mass in them. Bake in the oven for 7-8 minutes.
The harsh climate of the northern countries does not really pamper its inhabitants with a variety of fruits and vegetables, but this is the land of unique and very useful berries. Cloudberry was once a traditional delicacy of the royal family. They say that it was her as the last dying wish that Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin asked for. Today Siberian thickets beckon tourists with amber berries of “arctic raspberries” – cloudberries, although few were lucky enough to collect a lot of them. And all because this plant loves difficult swampy places. This berry, as if indulging, is hiding from the person. But those who are lucky enough to collect at least a small basket of northern amber are truly happy: thanks to their beneficial properties, cloudberries are still valued at their weight in gold.
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