Thursday, April 18, 2013

P is for Partridgeberry


Partridgeberries (known internationally as lingonberries) are a relative of the cranberry, they grow on a low, mat forming, evergreen shrub.  
As a child I spent many hours on the barrens, in October and November picking the dark red berries. I can recall tiring before my bucket was full, and lying on the marsh spreading the surface area of my body out as much as possible so not to get wet, grasping the plant and running my hand distally pulling the berries in multiples, the cold air biting me.  The sour, slightly sweet, slightly bitter taste popping into my mouth as I squished the softest ones with my tongue.  Then the smell of the kitchen as the berries boil and simmer into jams, pies, muffins and loafs.
Partridgeberry jam is my father's favorite, I've seen him more than once hurry spoonfuls to his mouth straight from the jar.



11 comments:

  1. That's a new berry for me too. Some of my fondest memories include gathering berries - especially the part when we ate them ;)

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  2. Never heard of this berry but you described it so well that my tummy is calling for some...Please sir can I have some more(in this case just once):)

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  3. I've heard of lingonberries! Didn't know they grew in bogs like our cranberries do.

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  4. I've never heard of those but they look yummie and I love cranberries

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  5. That's some great descriptive writing! I've tried lingonberry jam but now I want to try the real berry.

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  6. Ooo, those sound good. I've heard of them (as lingonberries), but I haven't tried them before.

    A to Z Participant
    Cherie Reich - Author and Surrounded by Books Reviews

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  7. I haven't heard of this berry, but I love homemade jam.

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  8. Your dad knew a good thing when he tasted it.

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  9. I'm not a big fan of cranberries, so I'm not sure how'd I like these.

    They sound quite versatile, though :)

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  10. I'm with everybody else who had never heard of these, they sound dang good to me though!

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