Foraging For Wild Cranberry (Lingonberry)
Other than the blueberry, I'd say the wild cranberry is the next most popular berry in Alaska. I went out a few times this fall to gather them. Once with a friend, the rest with just Buddy and myself. Not a bad time, I must say. I’m always up for a good walk in the woods!
Of course I nearly got lost one time by myself. I was picking on a cross country ski hill so there were tons of paths and I got all confuzzled. It was a super gorgeous day out and honestly I was doing more sight seeing than berry picking. Until I saw a bunch of fresh bear poop. Then I sorta skeedadled out of there. Which is when I got turned around and couldn't figure out which path I had come from. But eventually I figured it out and Buddy and I never saw a bear. Just some moose prints in the mud. My fingers were ready to grab that ol' bear spray, though! :)
Wild Cranberry
Vaccinium vitis-idaea
Wild Cranberry in flower
Properties
Powerful antioxidant
Antiseptic
Astringent
Diuretic
General tonic
High in flavonoids
High in vitamins A & C
Calcium
Iron
Potassium
Omega 3's (the seeds)
Helps With
Very powerful antioxidant that is extremely beneficial to the cardiovascular and immune systems.
The high amount of flavonoids is said to help lower blood sugar and help relieve hay fever and other allergies.
Most people know about using cranberry juice for urinary tract infections. That is in part due to the antiseptic property. But wild cranberry juice can also help prevent E. coli and other nasty bacteria because the create an environment that the bad guys don't like.
Unripe berries
Wild cranberries are wonderful for stimulating digestion and can even help ease nausea. Especially morning sickness. Plus the berries can help reduce and relieve uterine cramping during and after pregnancy.
Eating wild cranberries can help prevent tooth decay.
Cranberries can also be used topically to heal cuts and wounds.
Where it Grows
This low lying bush is found in Alaska, and parts of Canada. It grows in wet to dry land, boreal forests, bogs, thickets, open rocky slopes, and tundra.
Tidbits
Other common names for the wild cranberry is lingonberry or low bush cranberry.
Gathering the berries after the first frost is generally considered the best time to pick as the berries become a bit sweeter and firmer.
Getting More
Use like you would regular cranberries
Make cranberry sauce, jam or jelly
Make into fruit leather
Put them in smoothies
Make cranberry muffins, pancakes, etc.
Dehydrate them whole and eat like fruit snacks :)
Make your own cranberry juice by blending 2 cups berries with 4 cups water along with a little honey. Blend till smooth and drink as is or strain off the pulp.
