Lingonberries are very healthy. They contain valuable amino acids and many vitamins. To enjoy such berries even in winter, you should take care of their proper storage.
An easy way to store lingonberries
If there are not so many berries and you plan to eat them in one winter, then you should use the usual storage method. To do this, take a few cardboard boxes and line them with clean white paper. Next, sort out the lingonberries and remove all those berries that have damage or rot. Move overripe lingonberries to the side, it is better to form the last layer from such a berry so that it does not choke. Then leave the lingonberries for a few days. It is important that it dry out a little.
Then start putting it in the boxes. Cover the top layer with paper. Then remove the berry to a cellar or other cool place. At the same time, you should not put it on an unglazed and non-insulated balcony, because then the lingonberry will freeze and become tasteless, as a result, it will have to be thrown away. You can store the berry in this way for 3-4 months. It will not have time to deteriorate during this period, since it contains benzoic acid, which is a powerful natural preservative.
Storing lingonberries in their own juice
If you decide to stock up on berries for six months or more, then it is best to store them in your own juice. To do this, first sort out the lingonberries, and then wash thoroughly. Next, take clean glass jars and put a layer of berries on the bottom. Then, using a wooden spatula or spoon, remember the lingonberries a little so that they give juice. Then form the next layer of berries. Then take the lingonberry again. This should be done until the banks are completely filled. They must be closed with a plastic cover. It is better to store lingonberries in the refrigerator, but if there is no room, then the cellar will do. Berries do not spoil in their own juice for 7-9 months.
Storing lingonberries in water and freezer
If you plan to stock up on lingonberries for several years at once, then you need to store them in water. First, the berry is sorted out and washed. Then it is put into clean jars for ¾. Then the lingonberry is poured with warm boiled water and left for 3 days in a cool place. After this time, the liquid is drained and a new one is poured. After that, all that remains is to cover the jars with plastic lids and refrigerate.
If the above methods do not suit you, then rinse the berries, dry them and arrange them in plastic containers, which are then put into the freezer. Lingonberries can be stored in this way for several years. However, keep in mind that after defrosting, it will lose about 30% of nutrients and vitamins.
