Cloudberry. Nenets Autonomous Area

A unique berry called cloudberry grows in the Nenets Autonomous Area. The residents of this polar region consider cloudberries a symbol of the Nenets area, along with reindeer.

Cloudberry (scientific name Rubus chamaemorus L.) is a perennial low herbaceous plant of the Rubus genus, part of the Rosaceae family. This arcto-alpine species grows only in tundras and marshes.

The plant blooms from June to July, and the berries ripen 40–45 days later. The fruit is a semi-spherical aggregate of drupes, fused together, with a distinctive smell and taste. Unripe berries are yellow-red, somewhat firm and "squeaky," while ripe berries are orange, resembling pure, bright amber.

In ancient times, cloudberries were called "swamp amber", "eyes of the swamp", "swamp watchman", and in the north, "royal berry". Folk names for cloudberries include "northern orange", "arctic raspberry", and "moss currant". For the Nenets, cloudberries symbolize femininity. Ornaments depicting cloudberries are placed on baby cradles as a protective charm. There is also a dance ensemble named "Moroshki" in Naryan-Mar, established in 1985.

From time immemorial in Russia, fresh and fermented cloudberries were served at the royal table as the most precious berry of the North, hence the name "royal berry". Cloudberries hold an important place in the culture of northern regions and are often called "the gold of the Arctic".

Not only the berries themselves, which are rich in vitamins A and C, but also the leaves and roots are beneficial. One of the serious problems of past Arctic expeditions was the need to combat scurvy—a disease resulting from a lack of vitamin C. To prevent scurvy, Arctic residents and travelers used cloudberries. For wounds or burns, cloudberry leaves were applied as an anti-inflammatory and hemostatic agent.

Heart diseases, kidney, liver, and stomach ailments have long been treated with decoctions of cloudberry roots and infusions of its leaves, while the berry calyxes were used as a diuretic. A decoction of the calyxes also helps relieve coughs. The berries themselves stimulate appetite and normalize digestion. Juice diluted with water retains its bactericidal properties even when frozen and stored for six months, while fermented cloudberries can last up to two years. Cloudberries are also used to make aromatic jams and preserves. On September 15, 2019, a record was set in Naryan-Mar for the largest pie made from northern berries, including cloudberries, in Russia.

Interestingly, cloudberries were Alexander Pushkin's favorite berry. It is known that shortly before his death, he asked his wife for fermented cloudberries.