Crowberries
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Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) is also known in English as blackberry or mossberry. Crowberry bushes are small, evergreen shrubs that grow very close to the ground. Their leaves are small, green and needle-like. The flowers are lavender in color. The round berries are blue/black in color and measure 0.15 to 0.40 inches. Crowberries are found in most parts of Alaska. Pick crowberries in the fall, gathering larger berries and leaving the smaller ones to ripen. Berries that overwinter can be collected in the spring. Crowberries become sweeter after the first freeze, but they are softer and burst more easily when picked. If you decide to pick before the first freeze, you can freeze the berries and this will increase their sweetness. Cooking also increases the sweetness and flavor, making this berry a wonderful ingredient in juices, jellies and pies.
Nutrition and Health
Crowberries are a favorite treat, especially in the northern parts of Alaska. Although they have been an important part of Alaska Native diets for centuries, crowberries are gaining in popularity as people realize their high nutritional value. Crowberries are often mixed with blueberries for jam, pie and akutuq, which is a traditional ice cream-like dessert.
Crowberries are an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants. Antioxidants are biochemicals important to the healthy functioning of the body. The oxygen radical absorption capacity test (ORAC) is the main way researchers measure antioxidants in foods. Crowberries have a higher ORAC score than most blueberries found in Alaska. Crowberries have an ORAC score of 94, and a score over 40 is considered very high. A Norwegian study showed that the antioxidants are present, yet reduced, in products such as juice, jelly and wine.
Storage and Preservation
How to Clean and Store
To clean crowberries, spread a clean, dry terry cloth towel over a slanted surface, such as a cutting board with one end propped up a few inches above the other. Gently roll the berries down the towel; most of the debris and leaves will cling to the towel, while the berries roll off. Crowberries should be stored covered in the refrigerator and will keep up to one week.
How to Freeze
Arrange dry, fresh crowberries in one layer on a cookie sheet and place the cookie sheet in the freezer. When frozen, transfer the berries to freezer containers and mark with the date and contents. Properly frozen, crowberries will keep their quality up to two years.
How to Dry
Crowberries have many small seeds and a tough skin, which makes them less suitable for drying.
How to Extract Juice
Combine 8 cups of crowberries and 1 cup water. Crush berries. Bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes. Strain through a jelly bag or several layers of cheesecloth in a colander. Let the juice drip into a bowl. For clear juice, do not twist or press the jelly bag or cheesecloth. For long-term storage