No-Cook Cloudberry Preservation: Berry in Its Own Juice

In the Arctic regions, the harvest of the royal berry—cloudberry—is in full swing. On Murmansk markets and in local communities, a liter of the «yellow gold» commands a hefty price, so ruining such a valuable product during preservation is a nightmare for any homemaker. Indigenous northerners know the best way to preserve the unique honeyed flavor and all the vitamins: seal the berries in their own juice.

What you«ll need

Freshly picked ripe cloudberries (soft, amber-colored, easily separated from the calyx).

Clean glass jars (preferably small, 0.5-liter).

Nylon or screw-on lids.

Step-by-step process

It is not recommended to wash the berries—they are too delicate and will release juice prematurely. If they are very dirty, gently rinse them in portions in a colander and let them dry completely on a towel.

Sterilize the containers. Thoroughly wash jars with soda and sterilize (over steam or in the oven), scald the lids with boiling water. Be sure to let the jars cool completely and dry! There should be no water inside.

Layer the berries. Start filling the jar with cloudberries in layers. Add a layer about 3–4 centimeters thick and lightly press down with a wooden spoon or clean fingers so the berries release juice.

Fill to the top. Repeat the layers. Add—gently compact. Gradually the juice will rise and completely cover the berries. The jar should be filled to the very top «with a mound» so that almost no air remains inside.

Seal. Close the jar with a clean lid.

Arctic berry pickers« tip: to ensure the top layer of berries doesn»t mold, our grandmothers moistened a piece of gauze or bandage in plain vodka and placed it on top, right under the lid, before closing the jar.

The jars should be immediately placed in a cool spot—ideally a refrigerator, cool cellar, or basement. Since cloudberries contain a natural antiseptic (benzoic acid), they will not ferment and will keep raw for over a year.

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We also explained how to make tender sochniki (filled pastries) like in childhood. Find out how to cook fluffy pancakes on kefir.

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