Lingonberry Jam

Lingonberry jam is a staple in every Swedish household. Made with bright-red, tangy lingonberries, which are abundant in Swedish forests, the jam has been produced and consumed since ancient times. In the simplest form, lingonberries are merely mixed with sugar and create the raw version of the jam known as rårörda lingon.

The more common variety, mostly found in stores, is usually boiled with sugar and sold in jars. Raw lingonberries are sour, but when incorporated with sugar, they create a unique jam, both zesty and sweet, which perfectly complements a variety of dishes.

Occasionally, apples or red currants are used to dilute the jam and make it slightly sweeter. Lingonberry jam is usually served as a sauce alongside different meat dishes like the famous Swedish meatballs, sausages, roast meat, or black pudding. It is commonly consumed with porridge and pancakes, but it can also be used as a sandwich spread and incorporated into a variety of dips and desserts.

Outside of the native Sweden, the cultivation of lingonberries and the production of lingonberry jam are growing in popularity, especially in Canada and the United States. The jam has also been popularized by the Swedish company IKEA, which sells the jam as an authentic Swedish product available in many locations around the world.