Lingonberries

I had my first experience with lingonberries. I was housesitting and came upon lingonberry jam in the fridge. Anyone ever heard of this kind of berry before? Apparently they're pretty popular in Scandanavia and Novia Scotia - I on the other hand went, "What kind of berry??"

The lingonberry, which is red and acidic, has a flavor similar to a cranberry. As a spread, they're surprisingly good, sweet but a little on the tart side (which I personally like in a jam/spread). Now that I've made this discovery, I've come to find lingonberry jam isn't particularly easy to come by, so I'm off to my organic market Friday in search of some.

12 comments

Thao said...

I love lingonberry! The sad thing is that my first experience was at an Ikea, on the side of their famous Swedish meatballs. But, if all else fails, that can be your backup option. :)

I ♥ You said...

I am going to echo Thao - Ikea has some awesome lingonberry stuff in their cafe! Random place to find culinary delights, huh? :)

Patti Worley said...

Our family loves lingonberries as well! It's a must with Swedish meatballs but just as tasty with chicken and turkey. I think I actually prefer it to cranberries. Good luck in your search!

Wide Lawns said...

If you have an IKEA nearby, they sell lingonberry everything, even soda and it's all really yummy.

Anonymous said...

Didn't you just return from Mexico? And you're blogging about Norwegian lingonberries? This just tickles me pink :)

Liz Stanley said...

ikea!

Mahta said...

We have it in the forests of Iran.
It's acidic but we sprinkle salt on it and we eat. it's tasty

Carissa Thilgen said...

I like lingonberry jam, though I haven't had it all that much. but I knew about it... maybe because I'm scandinavian? I'm pretty sure they have it at Ikea! haha

nudibranchs and toast said...

Ikea market is the best ever for finding delicious lingonberry jam! You can also pick up some insanely good sparkly pear drinks :) There is no shame in food purchases at Ikea!

Christine Vi said...

I have never heard of that before! Will have to find some and try it out!

Adie said...

Yep, we always get ours at Ikea, but on occasion I find it at some of the nicer grocery stores which have an ethnic aisle. It's much harder to find now than it was 20-30 years ago. With a Scandinavian husband, I constantly keep a jar in the pantry.

Julie said...

IHOP serves Lingonberry jam on their Swedish Pancakes, my fav!!!
Delicious!!!