Interesting Facts
A true vitamin bomb in garnet red
“Granten” are the dialect name for mountain cranberries or lingonberries in Ötztal and throughout Tirol. The savory wild berries are used for making tasty syrup, liqueur or schnaps. Annemarie Ennemoser from Längenfeld knows a lot about their healing power, and she can tell us also the best recipe for delicious lingonberry jam. It’s easy and has heaps of vitamins!
On top of the ultimate Wild Berry Ranking
Lingonberries prefer sunny locations on high Alpine heathlands and dwarf shrub heaths. Therefore the Ötztal Alps make an ideal habitat between 1400 to 1500 meters altitude and the treeline which can be found above 2000 m in some areas of the Ötztal Valley.
Annemarie Ennemoser is heading for these mountain areas in late summer and early autumn: “I start to pick berries in the central valley around September. In October, I also visit the very high Alpine areas in the surroundings of Sölden and within the upper Ötztal.”
Brimming with Vitamins
Benzoic, ascorbic and salicylic acid lend mountain cranberries this very special aroma which also preserve juices and jam without adding any chemical substances. Ascorbic acid is said to have antioxidant effects. In addition to vitamin C the berries also contain vitamin A, B1, B2 and B3 as well as potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Ötztal’s magic elixir
Not without reason abbess Hildegard von Bingen, the originator of herbal medicine, recommended healing lingonberries already in the 12th century. Also in Ötztal the magic berries rank among the traditional home remedies for urinary tract infections, fever and colds – still today!
“Lingonberry juice or lingonberry water are considered the healthiest drinks ever,” Annemarie Ennemoser explains. The classic ingredients from Ötztal are 2 tablespoons of lingonberry jam mixed with a glass of water. Annemarie’s modern version also includes homemade cranberry syrup from the juice extractor. “This is the best remedy for sore throats. Ask my family!”
A varied Taste Sensation
Be it juice or jam – delicious lingonberries are not only an essential part of Ötztal’s medicine chest but also a fine culinary treat. Annemarie combines cranberry jam with whipping cream and yogurt. A perfect dip for Viennese schnitzel, venison roast or pan-fried Tirolean “Ziachkiachln” (similar to donuts). A tasty base for Swiss roles or pancakes.
Recipe: 1 kg of Lingonberry Jam
Ingredients:
- 1 kg of mountain cranberries
- 0.5 l of water
- 700 – 800 g of sugar
Preparation:
Mix berries with sugar and water. Leave it in a cold place for a couple of hours. Cook it gently for about 20 minutes and pour it into jam jars (screw top) immediately afterwards.
Annemarie’s special tip:
Wash glasses and screw tops with boiling hot water (almost sterile). After filling the jam into the jars also clean the glass with a paper or kitchen towel. Then close the screw top jars carefully.
Local specialties
Annemarie needs her lingonberry delights for self-catering reasons and her family. But there are enough mountain cranberries for both locals and guests.
In cooperation with the Ötztal Nature Park and Tirol’s Environmental Office a brochure was published in German: “Eppas Guets” contains a complete list of local producers and providers of authentic Ötztal specialties – including as well a few farmers who pick the berries for you and sell them in their farm shops.
Important details
By law berries and mushrooms belong to the owner of the forest. If it’s not explicitly forbidden you are allowed to pick berries for your own use. It is not allowed to organize berry picking events or take part in such events.
The “Eppas Guets” brochure in German, including all lingonberry jam selling points, is available from all Ötztal Nature Park and Ötztal Tourismus Information Offices.
© Peter Knögler
Guest Author Isolde von Mersi
Isolde von Mersi comes from South Tyrol’s Pustertal Valley / Val Pusteria and lives in Vienna now. As a popular reporter and book writer for Austrian and German magazines and publishing houses, she explores a huge variety of cultural, culinary and naturalistic treasures of the Alpine countries and its people.
She has been feeling at home in the Ötztal for many years already as she contributes to the ÖTZTAL MAGAZINE on a regular basis. And she has found many friends in the valley.
Ötztal Magazine
For the 2017 ÖTZTAL SUMMER MAGAZINE Isolde von Mersi has written a both interesting and entertaining article about Ötztal’s mountain cranberries and their varied effects: “Wild Fruit”. You want to know more about all highlights? This print magazine contains the most interesting and entertaining stories about Ötztal’s spring, summer and autumn season. Available in German, English and Dutch at all Ötztal Tourismus Information Offices. Order a free copy or read the online version at www.oetztal.com.
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