Mossberry or Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum)

Also called: Moss Berry, Curlew Berry. 

Contrary to what has been published by UFA, better known as the UNIVERSITY of Fairbanks Alaska,United States of THE Americas, Crowberry or moss berry (Empetrum nigrum is NOT ALSO KNOWN AS BLACKBERRY AND ARE FOUND IN MANY LOCATIONS OTHER THAN ALASKA. CROWBERRY were, sometimes, called BLACKBEAR BERRIES.

Next to Blackberries, Blueberries, and Cranberries, Black-Crowberries are in fact one of the most abundant and edible wild fruits found in Canada and  were a vital addition to the diets of all northern peoples. Because they are devoid of natural acids, they can taste a little bland and so were often missed with blueberries  or fat (pemmican) or oil and in more modern times with sugar and or lemon. Their taste does seem to vary greatly with habitat—flavour of the berries has been described as ranging from bland, to tasting like turpentine and even “MOST DELICIOUS”. Like many berries, their flavour peaks after first frost.

The fruit is high in vitamin C, about twice that of blueberries, and is also an antioxidant

Their high water content was a blessing to hunters and many others seeking to quench their thirsts in seemingly waterless country.

For other shrubs of the same name, see Bearberry.

"What Are You Talking About?" Do You Really Have Any Idea? At all?

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Crowberry (Empetrum) is a small genus of dwarf evergreen shrubs that bear edible fruit. They are commonly found in the northern hemisphere, from temperate to subarctic climates, and also in the Southern Andes of South America and on the South Atlantic islands of South Georgia, the Falklands and Tristan da Cunha. The typical habitat is on moorlands, tundra and muskeg, but also in spruce forests. They are also found abundantly on the dune slacks and sand dunes of the Danish Island of Fanø as well as all over Iceland.

Species of crowberry include: E. nigrum (Crowberry), E. eamesii (Rockberry), E.rubrum and E. hermaphroditum.

 All are evergreen mat forming shrubs, with small, light green needle-like leaves long. The flowers are small, pinkish or purplish. and plain looking. The fruit is a fairly dry yet still juicy with 6-9 hard seeds inside; they grow on a trailing evergreen shrub in cold, sandy, rocky places. black berry, smaller than the alpine bearberry, but with somewhat better flavour, and looks similar to a blueberry. After the first frost, the berries become sweeter; before it they must be mixed with blueberries and made into pie or preserves.

In Arctic and subarctic areas, Crowberry has been a vital addition to the diet of the Inuit and the Sami. After waning popularity, the crowberry is regaining its reputation as an edible berry. It provides a steady crop and the gathering is relatively easy. The high concentration of anthocyanin pigment can be used as a natural food dye. The Dena'ina (Tanaina) 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.

Edibility: Highly edible
Season: Fruits ripen July to November.

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 Inuit and Native Americans mix them with other berries, especially the blueberry. Cooking enhances the flavour. They make good pie and jelly.

How to clean and Store:

To clean crow or mossberries, spread a clean, dry towel over a slanted  slightly slanted surface(one end a few inches above the other). Gently roll the berries down the towel; most of the debris and leaves will cling to the towel.

How to Freeze

Arrange dry, fresh crow (mossberries in one layer on a cookie sheet and place the cookie sheet on the freezer. When frozen, place in vacuum sealed bags; properly frozen, crowberries will last several years.

How to Extract Juice:

• Combine 8 cups of crowberries and 1 cup of water.
• Crush berries
• Bring just to boil and simmer 10 minutes.
• Strain through a jelly bag old pillowcase  or several layers of cheese cloth in a  colander.
• Let the juice drip into a bowl.
• For clear juice, do not twist or press the bag or cheese cloth.For long term storage the juice should be canned or frozen.

The leaves and stems are used in Dena'ina medicine for diarrhea and stomach problems; they are boiled or soaked in hot water, and the strained liquid drunk. Some claim the berry juice is good for kidney trouble.   

©Al (Alex-Alexander)D Girvan. All rights reserved