Rubus chamaemorus is a species of flowering plant in the rose family Rosaceae, native to cool temperate regions, alpine and arctic tundra, and boreal forest.^[1] This herbaceous perennial produces an amber-colored edible fruit similar to the blackberry. English common names include cloudberry, nordic berry, bakeapple (in Newfoundland and Labrador), not berry and knoutberry (in England), a pick or low-bush salmonberry (in Alaska – not to be confused with salmonberry, Rubus spectabilis),^[3] and averin or even (in Scotland).

Cloudberry is a slow-growing Rubus species that produces edible fruit. Botanically it is called Rubus chamaemorus which is derived from the Greek word champion and morus which means dwarf and mulberry respectively. It belongs to the rose family and is a close relative of raspberry, strawberry, apple, and cherry. It is grown in alpine or arctic environments or boreal forests in the Northern hemisphere. This plant is common in Northern Europe, Russia, and Scandinavia. It is a perennial and low-growing plant that grows in open tundra or boggy areas. The berry has six to eight drupelets that form a small and roundish berry. The unripe berries have a sour taste, are red in color, and are hard. The berries are collected from July to August. It has a delicious but slightly tart taste. These berries possess malic acid, citric acid, anthocyanins, anthocyanins, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, and provitamin A carotenoid. It also possesses sanguiin H-6 and ellagitannins lambertianin C. Cloudberries are a great source of Vitamin C. Cloudberries are used for the prevention of scurvy from early years. The leaves and roots are used for medicinal purposes.

The berries possess malic acid, citric acid, anthocyanins, anthocyanins, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, and provitamin A carotenoid. It also possesses sanguiin H-6 and ellagitannins lambertianin C. Cloudberries are a great source of Vitamin C. Cloudberries are used for the prevention of scurvy from early years. The leaves and roots are used for medicinal purposes. In Asia and Europe, it is found in Nordic countries, Ireland and moorlands of Britain, Northern Russia east, Baltic states, and the Pacific Ocean. It is usually found in marshes, bogs, and wet meadows. The plant has the requirement of sunny exposures in the acidic ground. It is sensitive to salt and dry conditions but can withstand cold temperatures below -40°C.

Plant

Cloudberry is a small plant with 5-20 cm high stem and leaves measuring of 3-7 cm long and 2-5 cm across. Stems are erect, simple, and woody with pubescent leaves that have sparse and short glandular hairs. The alternate leaves have 3-6 cm petiole which is pubescent and possess short and glandular hairs in young. Leaves are pubescent, oblong, 5-10 × 4-7 mm in size, and are brownish in color. It has orbicular or reniform, is abaxially pubescent, and is 4 to 9 cm in diameter. The inflorescences are terminal, one flowered, and 3.5-6 cm pedicle. It has unisexual flowers measuring 2-3 cm in diameter having staminate larger than pistillate. The abaxially pubescent calyx and 1.5-2 mm tube. It has 4 or 5 sepals, is erect, oblong, and is 0.8–1.2 cm × 4–6 mm in size. The stamens are shorter in comparison to petals. Fruit is orange to red that becomes yellowish-brown. It is glabrous, subglobose, 1 cm in diameter.

Health Benefits of Cloudberry

Besides their culinary uses, these small berries possess a great number of minerals, vitamins, and organic compounds such as ellagic acid that are beneficial for human health. It is used for making jams, candies, alcoholic drinks, and other baked goods. It is also consumed raw or used to make the various sweetened recipes. Cloudberry assists in detoxification prevent cardiovascular disease, preventing cancer, strengthening immunity?, preventing cancers, promoting circulation, slowing down signs of aging, promoting digestion, and preventing diabetes?.

1. Strengthen immune system

Cloudberries possess a high content of Vitamin A and C which is helpful for maintaining a strong immune system. Vitamin C promotes white blood cells production that acts as an antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals in the body. The carotenoids found in Vitamin A have antioxidant properties that protect the eyes and skin health from aging and breaking down.

2. Promotes circulation

The berries are loaded with iron as well as various other minerals. Iron is vital for circulation that plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells. The sufficient presence of iron lowers the chances of anemia?.

3. Prevent heart problems

Cloudberries contain omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that help to balance the cholesterol? level and also lower the strain? on the cardiovascular system.

4. Eliminate toxins

Cloudberries act as a diuretic that helps to stimulate urination by eliminating harmful toxins and eliminating excess salts, water, and fat. This lowers the pressure on the kidneys? and liver?.

5. Antioxidant activity

This fruit possesses carotenoids and phytosterols that lower the chances of cancer, lower the appearance of wrinkles, slow down the aging process, and also slow down the chances of chronic? ailments. It possesses antiviral and antioxidant properties that make it a very important fruit.

6. Supports digestion

The presence of dietary fiber in these small berries supports digestive health. It stimulates peristaltic motion that lowers the chances of cramping, bloating?, constipation?, and other serious problems such as cancer and gastric ulcers. Dietary fiber assists in the regulation of insulin? receptors in the human body which ensure the release of sugar in the bloodstream. This assists in the management of Type 2 diabetes?.

7. Bone ailments

Cloudberries have magnesium in it which promotes the uptake of calcium by the body that assists in the prevention of osteoporosis?.

Traditional uses

• Leaves are used for the preparation of herbal tea.
• In Scandinavian herbal medicine, it is used for the treatment of urinary tract infections.
• The fruits are believed to treat hypovitaminosis C.
• Due to the rich content of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, it helps to maintain the immune system as it promotes white blood cells.
• It counteracts free radicals in the body.
• It slows down aging and prevents the breakdown of eyes and skin.
• It also promotes the circulation of blood as well as red blood cells production.
• It promotes urination with the elimination of toxins.
• It assists in the alleviation of cramping, constipation, bloating, and digestive conditions such as gastric.
• The root decoction is used by barren women to become pregnant.
• Roots are also used for treating fevers and coughs.
• It is used for the prevention of osteoporosis.

 Precautions   

• Allergic people should not use it.
• If an allergic reaction occurs then discontinue use and consult the doctor immediately.

How to Eat         

• It could be made into juice, jams, liqueurs, and tarts.
• Cloudberries are used in Sweden as toppings for pancakes, ice cream, and waffles.
• In Norway, these berries are mixed with sugar and whipped cream and are served as a dessert named Multekrem.
• In Canada, Labrador, and Newfoundland, it is used to make jam or Bakeapple Pie.
• In Nordia, Cloudberry is used to make traditional liqueurs known as Lakkalikööri.
• It is also used in preserves and pies.
• The leaves are used as a substitute for tea.
• It is consumed as fresh fruit.

References