Delicious Cloudberry, a rich source of vitamin C with various health benefits

Delicious Cloudberry, a rich source of vitamin C with various health benefits

Cloudberry is a delicious berries found in alpine, tundra, and boreal forests. The fruit is an amber-colored, edible similar to raspberry or blackberry. The ripe fruits are golden-yellow, soft, and juicy and are rich in vitamin C. When eaten fresh they have a distinctive tart taste and when over-ripened, they have a creamy texture which is somewhat like yogurt with a sweetened flavor. Leaving out its amazing taste, these fruits have several benefits too.

Benefits of cloudberry

Boosted Immunity

Firstly, the high content of vitamin C and vitamin A make cloudberries very beneficial to the immune system. Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells and acts as an antioxidant, which neutralizes the free radicals produced throughout the body. Vitamin A, similar to that of carotenoids, acts as an antioxidant by protecting the skin and eyes from breaking down and aging.

Improved Circulation

Cloudberries are packed with iron as well as many other beneficial minerals. The iron content is specifically important for circulation, as it is a key component in the production of red blood cells. With enough iron in our diet, one can reduce the chances of developing anemia.

Heart Health

Cloudberries have a unique component that most fruits lack, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids. The HDL or good cholesterol in cloudberries can actually help in balancing the cholesterol levels and thus reduces the strain on our cardiovascular system.

Detoxification

Cloudberries have long been used as a diuretic to stimulate urination. They help to keep the body free of dangerous toxins and eliminate excess water, salts, and even fat. Also, they help to relieve the pressure on the liver and kidneys as well, when your body is regularly flushing itself clean.

Antioxidant Properties

Apart from vitamin C in cloudberries, there are also certain phytosterols and carotenoids, not to mention the powerful effects of ellagic acid. They have been linked to slowing the aging process, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and lowering the chances of chronic diseases. Cloudberries also have specific chemicals that are antibacterial and antiviral in nature, making it a very important fruit.

Digestive Health

The dietary fiber content in cloudberries makes it ideal for optimizing the digestive system. Fiber helps to stimulate peristaltic motion, which reduces constipation, bloating, cramping, and other serious conditions such as gastric ulcers. Also, dietary fiber helps to regulate insulin receptors in the body. This ensures the regular release of sugar into the bloodstream, which will prevent or manage type 2 diabetes. The phenolics in cloudberries also prevent gastrointestinal pathogens from developing.

Improved Bone Health

Cloudberries are also rich in magnesium, which is a key component of bone health, as it increases the uptake of calcium by the body. This can help in preventing osteoporosis and keep the bones healthy.

Other uses

Historical documents reveal that cloudberry was utilized by Norwegian sailors and North American Eskimos to protect against scurvy, while its roots and leaves were used for medicinal purposes. Meanwhile, in ancient Scandinavian medicine, cloudberry leaves were brewed into a tea to help ease urinary tract infections.

Adding cloudberries to your diet

 Cloudberries can be consumed just as it is for a sweet and tart adventure. Because of cloudberry’s juicy and tart quality, some cooks incorporate them into recipes. This berry is often mixed into jams, candies, alcoholic beverages, and baked goods.

Word of Caution

It is not commonly known as an allergen, but there is a unique combination of nutrients and acids in cloudberry, which may affect sensitive people.

Recipe for Traditional Cloudberry Jam

Prep Time: 120 minutes, Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients (about 25 servings)

2.2 lb cloudberries (1kg)

2.1 cups of sugar (500g)

Possibly 1 pinch of sodium benzoate

Instructions

Clean and rinse the berries.

Put them in layers of berries and sugar in a pot. NOTE! Do not stir the pot, shake it back and forth every now and then. Let the pot stand cool for 1-2 hours. If you use frozen berries, let them thaw just before you add the sugar.

Slowly cook on low heat under the lid for about 10-15 minutes until the berries look soft and finished. Stir and shake the berries in the pot while you’re cooking it.

Remove the pot from the heat, leave it for a while and remove any foam.

Cloudberries contain natural sodium benzoate, but if you are planning to keep the cloudberry jam at temperatures higher than 50 degrees F (10 degrees C), i.e. not in the refrigerator, add 1 pinch of sodium benzoate, when the jam is finished.

Pour the jam in clean hot jars, up to the edge, so that you minimize the air inside of the jar. Seal the jar immediately. Don’t forget to clean and heat the lids as well.

Place the jars in a cool and dark place for storage.

Recipe for cloudberry pie

Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients (6 servings)

2 ½ cup cloudberries

2 tablespoons of potato flour

150 g butter

¾ cup wheat flour

¾ cup oats

½  cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

Heat the oven to 200 C or 180 C fan or gas 6.

Mix the cloudberries and the potato flour.

Place the berries in an oven-proof form.

Melt the butter.

Mix wheat flour, oats, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl and pour in the butter, while stirring.

Distribute the dough over the berries and sprinkle on some extra oats

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Serve the cloudberry pie with some ice-cream for that extra touch.

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