Have you ever heard of a fruit so rare and valuable that it’s called “Arctic Gold”? Meet the cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus)—a golden-orange berry that grows in the cold, remote landscapes of the Arctic. Found mainly in Scandinavia, Russia, Canada, and Alaska, this berry isn’t just delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a true superfood.
In this blog, we’ll explore where cloudberries grow, their health benefits, how to enjoy them, and why they are one of the world’s most expensive berries.
What is a Cloudberry?
Cloudberries belong to the rose family (Rosaceae), just like raspberries and blackberries. These low-growing plants produce delicate white flowers, and their fruit starts as red before turning a golden-orange when ripe.
Unlike most berries, cloudberries need both male and female plants to produce fruit, making them difficult to grow commercially. Because of their short growing season and specific habitat needs, they are mainly wild-harvested, making them even more precious.
Where Do Cloudberries Grow?
Cloudberries thrive in cold and wet environments across Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.
Natural Habitat
✅ Cold Climates – Found in northern Europe, North America, and Russia.
✅ Bogs & Wetlands – Grow in peat-rich, acidic soils, mainly in marshes and tundra areas.
✅ Long Summer Days – The midnight sun of the Arctic provides extra light for ripening.
Since cloudberries cannot be farmed on a large scale, they are hand-picked from the wild, making them a rare and expensive delicacy.
Nutritional Value of Cloudberries
- Cloudberries are not just tasty but also highly nutritious.
- Nutritional Breakdown (Per 100g):
- Calories: ~50 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8–10g
- Protein: 1–2g
- Fat: 0.8g
- Fibre: 6–8g
- Vitamin C: 150% of the Daily Value (more than oranges!)
- Antioxidants: Rich in polyphenols and flavonoids
- Omega-3 & Omega-6 – Found in seeds, great for brain and heart health
Health Benefits of Cloudberries
💪 Boosts Immunity – High in vitamin C, strengthens the immune system.
✨ Anti-Ageing Properties – Antioxidants help keep skin youthful.
🧠 Supports Brain & Heart – Omega fatty acids improve circulation and cognitive function.
🍏 Aids Digestion – High fibre promotes gut health.
🔥 Reduces Inflammation – Polyphenols help prevent chronic diseases.
With such impressive benefits, it’s no wonder cloudberries are called “the Arctic superfood.”
Why Are Cloudberries So Expensive?
Cloudberries are among the world’s most expensive berries, and here’s why:
1. Difficult Growing Conditions
Unlike other berries, cloudberries can’t be mass-produced. They only grow in remote areas, making farming nearly impossible.
2. Short Harvest Season
Cloudberries ripen only for a few weeks (July–August) and must be picked quickly before they rot or get eaten by wildlife.
3. Hand-Picked & Limited Supply
Cloudberries grow in wet, hard-to-reach areas, so harvesting them is labour-intensive. They are mostly collected by hand, making them more expensive.
4. High Demand in Nordic Countries
In places like Finland, Sweden, and Norway, cloudberries are considered a luxury delicacy, often served during Christmas and special occasions.
💰 Price: Fresh cloudberries can cost $10–$30 per pound, and even cloudberry jam is expensive due to its rarity!
How to Eat Cloudberries
Cloudberries have a sweet-tart, slightly floral taste, perfect for both sweet and savoury dishes.
Traditional Cloudberry Dishes
🍯 Cloudberry Jam (Lakkahillo) – Popular in Scandinavia, often served with pancakes or cheese.
🍨 Cloudberries & Cream – Simply mix with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
🍰 Cloudberry Cheesecake – A Nordic twist on a classic dessert.
🥩 Cloudberry Sauce for Meat – Pairs well with duck, venison, or pork.
🍹 Cloudberry Liqueur – Used in cocktails or served as a dessert drink.
Pro Tip: If fresh cloudberries are hard to find, cloudberry jam is a great alternative and can be purchased online!
Cloudberries in Culture & Folklore
Cloudberries have deep roots in Nordic, Indigenous, and Arctic traditions.
In Scandinavia, they symbolise summer and prosperity.
In Finland, they are a traditional Christmas dessert, often served with leipäjuusto (a Finnish squeaky cheese).
Indigenous Arctic peoples have used cloudberries for medicine, food, and natural dyes for centuries.
Where to Buy Cloudberries
Fresh cloudberries are rare outside Arctic regions, but you can find them in:
🛒 Nordic or specialty grocery stores
🛒 Online retailers (for jam, frozen berries, or liqueur)
🛒 Farmers’ markets in Scandinavia, Canada, or Alaska
If you ever visit a Nordic country, trying cloudberries is a must!
Final Thoughts
Cloudberries are one of nature’s most exclusive treasures—not just because of their rarity, but also their unique taste and incredible health benefits.
Whether as jam, dessert, or sauce, cloudberries bring a touch of the Arctic wilderness to your table. If you ever get the chance to try them, don’t miss out!
💬 Have you ever tasted cloudberries? Would you like to? Let us know in the comments!
📌 Stay tuned for more rare food adventures! 🍊✨
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