nature, Photography

Arctic Cloudberries

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Cloudberries or aqpik are a fabulous northern treat! Growing very low to the ground in boggy or damp areas, cloudberries resemble raspberries or small blackberries in their shape. When they’re ripe, they turn from red to a golden amber. They are sweet but also tart and they can be turned into wonderful jams or sauces or are completely yummy just on their own.

Cloudberries love to grow in cooler climates and although it’s not impossible to do so, they have been rather resistant to cultivation. They are very delicate and do not travel well; it’s best to pick them and then use them as soon as possible.

In some areas they have been protected from commercialism. High in anti-oxidants, especially vitamin C, they are a truly complete food. And besides, they taste so good!

29 thoughts on “Arctic Cloudberries”

  3. I did some research on healthy food in the wild. This one didn’t show up but there were so many great foods available if you know what you’re doing. Thanks for this one.

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    1. I think they are also called bakeapples, Jacqui, from the French “baie qu’appelle” (what is this berry called?). I’ve never tasted them, but the Captain knows them from Newfoundland where they also grow.

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      1. Yes, I have heard them called “bake apples.” (Strange that the name came from that French phrase – apparently no one knew what anything was called!) They grow in profusion there from what I have heard.

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        2. It looks that way. I don’t think they grow much out here on the coast, at least not in southern BC, but I’m thinking that I might have seen the occasional one. Apparently they are quite prolific back in Nfld.

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    2. You’re welcome. I think that one of the reasons why they are so little-known is because they are northern (smaller populations, less exposure). They also don’t lend themselves well to cultivation.

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