Moosbeeren (Blueberries) – The superfood along our hiking trails

Anyone who is out and about in our mountains and forests in summer and takes a look next to the hiking trails will discover the small dark berries. Moosbeeren, as wild blueberries are called in Pinzgau dialect, convince with their slightly sweet and sour taste and are therefore a particularly popular delicacy in the region.

Where to find them?

The special thing about Moosbeeren is that they are only available in the wild. The summer months are the main harvesting season for the wild berries and at this time they can be found along the hiking trails and in our forests, where you can collect them yourself. The plant particularly prefers mossy forest soils. Since only ripe fruits are harvested in the wild and no airtight packaging is used, the berries have a particularly sweet taste and are easily digestible. Due to the wild growth, the plant also has some advantages over cultivated berries. On the one hand, the slow growth without fertiliser makes the plant more robust and healthier, and on the other hand, the taste and smell of the berries improve.

 

What’s in it?

Wild blueberries are very low in calories - 100g have only about 60 kcal. In addition, they consist mainly of water and also provide our body with sufficient vitamins and fibre. The fibre content, compared to the total carbohydrate content, is even almost identical to that of a wholemeal bread and even twice as high as that of apples. In addition, the ratio of calium and natrium is particularly favourable and ensures a balanced water balance. These Moosbeeren are a true superfood.

A true treasure

In the region, people appreciate the wild delicacy because of its short availability in the summer months and associate it with "hiking" and "picking it yourself". Growing wild does not only improve the taste and smell, but also has a positive effect on the health. Not only the berries but also the leaves of the plant can be eaten. For the leaves, however, it is important to observe the harvest time in spring. They can then be made into a soothing blueberry leaf tea, which has a balancing effect on the blood sugar level.

Health Promoting effects

As already mentioned, Moosbeeren do not only taste particularly good, they also have positive effects on health. They contain many different secondary plant substances such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which have antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects - in short: they strengthen the immune system. Due to their high fibre content, however, they keep you full for a very long time and substances such as anthocyanins lift your mood and ensure good night vision.

 

However, they are not just for eating raw. We particularly recommend enjoying the berries alongside cereals and dairy products. This is because the biological value of protein perfectly complements the vitamins, minerals and trace elements found in wild berries. Our Recipe for Moosbee-Nudl is perfect for this.

So, there's nothing wrong with picking up a few berries during a nice hike. Good luck with your search!

 

Photos: Michael Geißler