Crowberry

The crowberries (Empetrum L.) are a small genus of dwarf evergreen shrubs that bear edible fruits. They are commonly found in the northern hemisphere, from temperate to subarctic climates, but also grow in the Andes of South America and in Tristan da Cunha (South Atlantic Ocean). The typical habitat is on moorlands, tundra and muskeg but also in spruce forests. There are two species of the crowberry: E. nigrum (Crowberry) and E. eamesii (Rockberry).

Description

Crowberry is an evergreen mat forming shrub, with small, light green needle-like leaves. The flowers are small and plain looking. Crowberry produces black fruit that is smaller, but somewhat more flavorful than the alpine bearberry, and looks similar to that of a blueberry.

Food use

In subarctic areas, crowberry has been a vital addition to the diet of the Inuit and the Sami. After waning popularity due to its almost complete lack of flavour and dry texture, the crowberry is regaining its reputation as an edible berry. It gives a steady crop and the gathering is relatively easy. The high concentration of anthocyanin pigment can be used as a natural food dye. Dena'ina harvest it for food, sometimes storing in quantity for winter, and like it mixed with lard or oil. They keep well in a cool place without any special preparation.

The berries are usually collected in the fall of the year but if not picked they may persist on the plant and can be picked in the spring. The raw berries are mealy and tasteless. The Eskimos and Indians mix them with other berries, especially the blueberry. Cooking enhances the flavor. They make good pie and jelly.

Leaves and stems are Dena'ina medicine for diarrhea and stomach problems; boil or soak them in hot water and drink the strained liquid. Some say berry juice is good for kidney trouble.

In the Outer and Upper Inlet area of Lake Clark, the root is medicine also, being used to remove a growth on an eye and to heal sore eyes. The roots are boiled and the eyes are washed with the strained, cooled tea, to which a little sugar may be added. Some people say blackberry stems can be used tin the same way for these ailments. Tanaina Plantlore

Nutritional content

Crowberries contain mostly water. Their vitamin content is low, as is also the concentration of evaporing liquids, the latter of which makes them almost odorless. The acidity is lower than is typically encountered in forest berries, and benzene acids are almost non-existent.

See also

• Blueberry
• List of fruits
• Wikipedia cookbook