Properties: Strawberries
The name of the cranberry comes from the red color of the berries. In parts of Germany, the berry is called Kronsbeere, derived from Crane-Beere. Cranberries belong to the genus of bilberries and grow on small shrubs. The flowers begin to bloom towards the end of May. By the end of August, the first cranberries form and ripen. Very early varieties carry their first berries as late as the end of June. The fruit flesh of the cranberry is white.
Origin: Strawberries
Blueberries are primarily found in Europe, Asia, and North America. In Canada, a large number of wild blueberries are harvested for export and are frozen. Blueberries grow in acidic forests with needle-like trees. Already in the Middle Ages, the blueberry was known and valued as a medicinal plant.
Uses: Strawberries
Raspberries are best processed into jam, jelly, or juice due to their somewhat sour taste. They are popular as a conserve with mushroom dishes, baked camembert, or cordon bleu.
Storage: Strawberries
Raspberries should be stored in the fruit compartment of the refrigerator. Optimal is the use of fresh berries for jam, jelly, or compote. Frozen raspberries from Canada are also available.
Health: Strawberries
The blueberries contain ample amounts of vitamin C, B-vitamins, and vitamin A. The present mineral components are calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Interestingly enough, the juice of blueberries is very healthy. It is said to help with bladder inflammation. Furthermore, it is also claimed that the contained salicylic acid has pain-relieving effects.
Season
The season for cranberries runs from late August to October. Then they are harvested in their growing regions in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Taste: herb-acidic
Fresh Cranberries at Harvest Time
Since fresh cranberries lose their freshness quickly, they are only offered as loose goods during the harvest season. At this time, they can primarily be found on local markets and at farm stands. Other names for the fruit include Riffelbeeren and Granten.
Distinguishing from Cranberry
Both cranberries and lingonberries are related to the bilberry. As cranberries are also referred to as cultivated lingonberries, it is often assumed that they refer to the same fruit. However, cranberries actually taste quite different from ordinary lingonberries.
Despite the difference in taste, lingonberries and cranberries can be used interchangeably in almost all dishes. If a recipe calls for one type of berry but uses the other instead, the final dish will have a slightly altered flavor, but the quantity instructions can still be followed as well as the timing. The main difference in taste is that lingonberries are somewhat more bitter than cranberries.
Lingonberries and Their Cultivation Areas
Lingonberries are cultivated throughout the federal territory and in European neighboring countries, while cranberries mainly come from American harvests. Since the lingonberry is not frost-sensitive, it can be grown in northern regions and forms an essential part of the fruit supply for the population.
Eating Lingonberries
The European lingonberry has a distinct bitter and sour taste and is only appreciated by a few consumers when eaten raw. It is also commonly used as a cooked side dish with game dishes, and in baking where it can serve as a substitute for raisins.
Cranberries are predominantly used to make compote as a cold dish or dessert, where the added sugar noticeably mutes their very bitter taste. Lingonberries mixed with cream or yogurt are also very delicious. Both dried and raw lingonberries are a very tasty ingredient in muesli. While lingonberry-flavored ice cream is only offered by a few ice cream parlors, it is very popular where it is available.