Cowberry with antiseptic and choleretic effects
Lingonberry is a common berry in our area. Sadly, many city people don't know much about it. Let's fix this and learn more about this fruit.
Lingonberry's scientific name is Vaccínium vítis-idaea. This name puts it in the Vaccinium group. That group is part of the Heather family. Lingonberries grow in the wild and are also farmed. They are safe to eat and have no harmful traits.
The name means "vine from Mount Ida" in Latin. Mount Ida is on the island of Crete. The plant isn't like grapes. The name is more about a similar look or feel.
Lingonberries taste both sweet and sour. They also have a bitter and tart flavor. This mix makes them taste unique. Berries picked in winter taste more bitter than those from warmer months.
People have eaten lingonberries fresh and cooked for a long time. Pickled lingonberries and lingonberry jam are popular. Food makers even use lingonberry powder to flavor candy.
Lingonberry bushes make a lot of nectar. This makes them great for honeybees. They bloom even when springs are cold. Beekeepers value this a lot. Aside from cooking, lingonberries can be:
Made into candied treats. Used to create marinades. Used to make a refreshing drink. Made into a sauce for turkey.
Tea made from lingonberry leaves can kill germs. They also help the body get rid of water. The leaves can fight germs and worms. They also help with bile flow. This makes them useful for making medicine.