Lingonberries: effects of these wild berries from the north
An walk in the woods in Germany with wild bushes lining the edge of the path - with a bit of luck you might come across some lingonberries growing wild. The positive effects of red berries go beyond their taste. We will be happy to tell you what to do with your berry find and everything else you need to know about lingonberries.
Storage time*
| BioFresh Fruit & Vegetable safe just above 0 °C with high humidity | 60 days |
| EasyFresh safe 7 °C with air regulation plate | 40 days |
| Fridge compartment 7 °C | 32 days |
| Freezer compartment -18 °C | 10 months |
The key points
- Low in calories and rich in nutrients: lingonberries have only 40 calories per 100 g and are rich in vitamins (C, A, B) and minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium).
- Anti-inflammatory effect: polyphenols and antioxidants in lingonberries can reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system.
- Protection against infections: lingonberry juice can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and help with inflammation of the oral mucosa.
Lingonberries – list of contents
Lingonberries: nutritional values, calories and vitamins
It's not just the Swedes who love the combination of hearty meat with fruity lingonberries. Lingonberries also add a fruity flavour to roast goose, rounding off the dish perfectly. However, there is much more that can be conjured up from this little red berry: Including juice, jam, wine and liqueur, to name but a few. The lingonberry seems to be an all-rounder. Botanically speaking, the plant belongs to the heather family and is therefore closely related to blueberries and cranberries.
Lingonberries also impress in terms of nutritional value: With 40 calories per 100 g, they are extremely low in calories and therefore fit perfectly into a healthy diet. At the same time, they score highly with their high vitamin C content, which strengthens the immune system and protects cells as an antioxidant. Lingonberries also provide vitamin A, which is important for vision and healthy skin, as well as B vitamins, which support energy metabolism. They also contain minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium. When it comes to nutritional value, lingonberries are a winner across the board.
How healthy are lingonberries?
In addition to their culinary benefits, lingonberries are considered to be a real health booster. Lingonberry juice is even said to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. The reason lies in the proanthocyanidins it contains – secondary plant compounds that prevent bacteria from attaching themselves to the walls of the urinary tract. In many cases, this allows infections to be fought off at an early stage. But lingonberries can have a beneficial effect on more than just bladder problems: a glass of lingonberry juice can also help to soothe irritation and promote healing in cases of inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth. This is due to the anti-inflammatory effect of the antioxidants and tannins it contains. These inhibit the growth of certain germs and strengthen the body’s own defences at the same time. Anyone who regularly includes lingonberries in their diet can therefore benefit from a natural contribution to their health.
Proper storage of lingonberries is crucial to preserving their freshness and nutrients over time. Crannberries in comparison to other berries keep for an extremely long time – and this has to do with the high content of benzoic acids. These acids are used in a variety of ways in the food industry to preserve food – so it is handy that lingonberries naturally come with a plentiful supply of this. Lingonberries can be stored in a standard fridge compartment for up to 32 days. However, if you store your lingonberries in the BioFresh Fruit & Vegetable safe compartment of your Liebherr appliance, they will stay fresh for up to 60 days. Temperatures there are just above 0 °C and humidity is high, which extends the shelf life of fruit and vegetables.
That’s plenty of time to turn the berries into delicious compote, jam or juice and reap the benefits of lingonberries.
*All specifications given are to be considered as guideline values, and depend in each case on the type of food and on the proper storage without interruption of the cold chain from harvest/production through to the Liebherr appliance. Should food products have information about minimum shelf life, the date on the packaging always applies.
