Cloudberry is a slow growing Rubus species that produces edible fruit. Botanically it is called Rubus chamaemorus which is derived from the Greek word chamai and morus which means dwarf and mulberry respectively. It belongs to rose family and is a close relative of raspberry, strawberry, apple and cherry. It is grown in alpine or arctic environment or boreal forest in Northern hemisphere. This plant is common in Northern Europe, Russia and Scandinavia. It is a perennial and low growing plant which grows in open tundra or boggy areas. The berry has six to eight drupelets that form a small and roundish berry. The unripe berries have sour taste, is red in color and hard. The berries are collected from July to August. It has delicious but slightly tart taste. These berries possess malic acid, citric acid, anthocyains, anthocyanins, α-tocopherol, β-carotene and provitamin A carotenoid. It also possesses sanguiin H-6 and ellagitannins lambertianin C. Cloudberries are a great source of Vitamin C. Cloudberries are used for the prevention of scurvy from early years. The leaves and roots are used for medicinal purposes.
The berries possess malic acid, citric acid, anthocyains, anthocyanins, α-tocopherol, β-carotene and provitamin A carotenoid. It also possesses sanguiin H-6 and ellagitannins lambertianin C. Cloudberries are a great source of Vitamin C. Cloudberries are used for the prevention of scurvy from early years. The leaves and roots are used for medicinal purposes. In Asia and Europe, it is found in Nordic countries, Ireland and moorlands of Britain, Northern Russia east, Baltic states and Pacific Ocean. It is usually found in marshes, bogs and wet meadows. The plant has the requirement of sunny exposures in acidic ground. It is sensitive to salt and dry conditions but can withstand cold temperatures below -40°C.
Plant
Cloudberry is a small plant with 5-20 cm high stem and leaves measuring of 3-7 cm long and 2-5 cm across. Stems are erect, simple and woody with pubscent leaves that have sparse and short glandular hairs. The alternate leaves have 3-6 cm petiole which are pubescent and possess short and glandular hairs in young. Leaves are pubescent, oblong, 5-10 × 4-7 mm in size and are brownish in color. It has orbicular or reniform, abaxially pubscent and is 4 to 9 cm in diameter. The inflorescences are terminal, one flowered and 3.5-6 cm pedicle. It has unisexual flowers measuring 2-3 cm in diameter having staminate larger than pistillate. The abaxially pubscent calyx and 1.5-2 mm tube. It has 4 or 5 sepals, erect, oblong and is 0.8–1.2 cm × 4–6 mm in size. The stamens are shorter in comparison to petals. Fruit is orange to red that becomes yellowish brown. It is glabrous, subglobose, 1 cm in diameter.
Besides its culinary uses, these small berries possess a great amount of minerals, vitamins and organic compounds such as ellagic acid that is beneficial for human health. It is used for making jams, candies, alcoholic drinks and other baked goods. It is also consumed raw or used to make various sweetened recipe. Cloudberry assist in detoxification, prevents cardiovascular disease, prevent cancer, strengthen immunity, prevent cancers, promote circulation, slows down signs of aging, promote digestion and prevent diabetes.
Strengthen immune system
Cloudberries possess high content of Vitamin A and C which is helpful for maintaining strong immune system. Vitamin C promotes the white blood cells production that acts as antioxidant which helps to neutralize free radicals in the body. The carotenoids found in Vitamin A have antioxidant properties that protect the eyes and skin health from aging and breaking down.
Promotes circulation
The berries are loaded with iron as well as various other minerals. Iron is vital for the circulation that plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells. The sufficient presence of iron lowers the chances of anemia.
Prevent heart problems
Cloudberries contain omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that help to balance the cholesterol level and also lowering the strain on cardiovascular system.
Eliminate toxins
Cloudberries act as a diuretic that helps to stimulate urination by eliminating harmful toxins and elimination of excess salts, water and fat. This lowers the pressure on kidneys and liver.
Antioxidant activity
This fruit possess carotenoids and phytosterols that lowers the chances of cancer, lowers appearance of wrinkles, slows down aging process and also slows down the chances of chronic ailments. It possess antiviral and antioxidant properties that makes it a very important fruit.
Supports digestion
The presence of dietary fiber in these small berries supports digestive health. It stimulates peristaltic motion that lowers the chances of cramping, bloating, constipation and other serious problems such as cancer and gastric ulcers. Dietary fiber assist in the regulation of insulin receptors in the human body which ensure the release of sugar in the bloodstream. This assist in the management of Type 2 diabetes.
Bone ailments
Cloudberries have magnesium in it which promotes the uptake of calcium by the body that assist in the prevention of osteoporosis.
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Traditional uses
Leaves are used for the preparation of herbal tea.
In Scandinavian herbal medicine, it is used to the treatment of urinary tract infections.
The fruits are believed to treat hypo-vitaminosis C.
Due to rich content of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, it helps to maintain immune system as it promotes white blood cells.
It counteracts free radicals in the body.
It slows down aging and prevents the breakdown of eyes and skin.
It also promotes the circulation of blood as well as red blood cells production.
It promotes urination with the elimination of toxins.
It assist in alleviation of cramping, constipation, bloating and digestive conditions such as gastric.
The root decoction is used by barren women to become pregnant.
Roots are also used for treating fevers and coughs.
It is used for the prevention of osteoporosis.
Precautions
Allergic people should not use it.
If allergic reaction occurs then discontinue to use and consult the doctor immediately.
How to Eat
It could be made into juice, jams, liqueurs and tarts.
Cloudberries are used in Sweden as toppings for pancakes, ice cream and waffles.
In Norway, these berries are mixed with sugar and whipped cream and are served as a dessert named Multekrem.
In Canada, Labrador and Newfoundland, it is used to make jam or Bakeapple Pie.
In Nordia, Cloudberry is used to make traditional liqueurs known as Lakkalikööri.
It is also used in preserves and pies.
The leaves are used as a substitute for tea.
It is consumed as a fresh fruit.
Other Facts
The leaves of Cloudberry are a food for caterpillars and moth.
