Crowberry
| Crowberry | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||
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| Binomial nomenclature | ||||||||||||
| Empetrum L. | ||||||||||||
| Ref: [1] |
The crowberries (Empetrum L.) are a small genus of dwarf evergreen shrubs that bear edible fruits. They are commonly found in the northern hemisphere, from temperate to subarctic climates, but also grow in the Andes of South America and in Tristan da Cunha (South Atlantic Ocean). The typical habitat is on moorlands. There are two species of the crowberry: E. nigrum (Crowberry) and E. eamesii (Rockberry).
Description
Crowberry is a mat forming shrub, with small, light green leaves.The flowers are
small and plain looking. Crowberry bears a fruit that looks similar to that of a blueberry.
Food use
In subarctic areas, crowberry has been a vital addition to the diet of the Inuit and the Sami. After waning popularity due to its almost complete lack of flavour and dry texture, the crowberry is regaining its reputation as an edible berry. It gives a steady crop and the gathering is relatively easy. The high concentration of anthocyanin pigment can be used as a natural food dye.