Blueberry Bliss - A Nordic Foraging Adventure
There's a certain charm to foraging that's hard to put into words. It's the gentle rustle of leaves underfoot, the murmur of the forest around you, and the sweet, tangy taste of freshly-picked blueberries that makes it such a special experience..
In our corner of the world, Scandinavia, our blueberries differ greatly from their American counterparts. Here, we have two main types of blueberries - the wild blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Bog bilberries (Vaccinium uliginosum). You might know the American variety (Vaccinium corymbosum) from store-bought packs, but our native Nordic berries are a treat best enjoyed fresh and are seldom seen in the commercial market.
Distinguishing between our two native species can be a delightful challenge. Both have similar appearances, but their flavors are distinct. The wild blueberries are smaller and have an intense taste tang. They're also known for leaving a charming blue stain on your fingers and lips. On the other hand, Bog bilberries are equally delightful, but with a slightly subtler flavor profile.
Rainy days are our favorite for blueberry picking. The slightly damp conditions make it easier to spot these little jewels amid their leafy hiding places. Our wild blueberries prefer the understory of our forest, growing in delicate, scattered bushes. Maybe it's because our resident red deers and forest critters love them too and help to spread their seeds far and wide!
For our little ones, the blueberry hunt is always an adventure, their tiny fingers perfect for the delicate task. And the joy of munching on their finds is always apparent on their stained smiles. Once we have all had our fill, the remaining berries often find their way into our kitchen - as breakfast toppings, cake fillings, especially in muffins, or as a dessert of their own. Speaking of cakes, we have an easy blueberry cake recipe that is a family favorite. You can find it here.
The delight of these little blue jewels isn't just in their taste. It's the memory of days spent in nature, the sweet camaraderie of a shared task, and the simple joy of transforming our find into a delicious treat. That's the true flavor of our Nordic blueberries.
Psst! Are you looking for how to spot the difference between the bilberries and the wild blueberries? Heres a few unedited reference pictures:
Left, bilberries. Right, wild blueberries.
Left, bilberry. Right, wild blueberry.
If you find yourself with a bounty of these tiny blue jewels beyond what you can enjoy fresh, don't worry, we have some mouthwatering suggestions for you. Uncover these wonderful recipes that spotlight blueberries in all their glory:
