Lingonberry
Name Variations[]
About Lingonberry[]
The lingon berry, scientifically known as Vaccinium vitis-idaea, is a part of genus Vaccinium and Ericaceae family. Lingon berry is a safe to eat fruit which is generally picked from the wild. Lingon berry is native to North America, it can be found in open woods and forest and it generally prefers temperate or sub arctic climates. Lingon berries bushes have from ten to forty centimeters high and they grow on moistly, acid soils. Lingon berry has a semi-woody body with small, firm leaves and bell-shaped white flowers. The fruit has a red color and usually ripens in late summer. Wild lingon berries are popular in North Europe and they are found canned or fresh in supermarkets. Due to the fact that lingon berries are bitter they are always sweetened before consumed. Lingon berries contain organic acids, vitamin C, and beta carotene, the complex of vitamin B, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Lingon berries are used for preparing jams, compotes and juices and they are not eaten raw. Because they also have a high content of phytochemicals they are used for preventing or reducing urinary tract infections.