Knyazhenika ordinary or Arctic raspberry: description and characteristics of the berry

Looking into the gardens of modern summer residents, we can see a rich variety of berries of all colors and flavors. But few gardeners can boast of the presence on the site of such berries as the princess. Its second name is Arctic raspberry (LatinRubus arcticus), although it can be met not only in the Arctic, but also in Siberia, in the Far East. It is also growing in the Tver, Vladimir, Smolensk regions and in Karelia.

The natural habitat for the princes are damp places in coniferous and deciduous forests. It grows along freshwater bodies, on the banks of the marshes. To meet her in the forest manages less and less. This is due to fires and deforestation.

But even in ancient times it was not easy to collect a basket of amazing wild berries. She stood in one row with furs and ornaments. Princely children especially loved to feast on the delicacy, hence the name of the berry.

Arctic raspberry, also known as princess, “raspberry”, “glade”, “mamura”, “khokhlyanitsa”, “khokhlushka” is a unique plant, a species of the genus Rubus, known for its healing properties, as well as unique taste and aroma.

From the name “Arctic raspberry” one can guess that this berry looks like a raspberry known to all. The plant is grassy, ​​low - its height reaches about half a meter. In contrast to the usual raspberry, the creeping roots of the Arctic go deep into an average of 15-20 centimeters. The leaves are trifoliate, similar to strawberry leaves. Fruits consist of stones, like all plants of the Rubus family. The color of the fruits of the princess varies from cherry to bright purple with a blue tint. That is why it is also compared to blackberries.

The main difference of the Arctic raspberry from its "sisters" is a sweet and sour taste with pineapple aroma. It makes the berry truly unique.

Due to the unique taste, there are many recipes based on the princess. It is good in both raw and processed form. Jam, jam, compotes, syrups, liqueurs are made from it. It is also dried or frozen. The leaves of the Arctic raspberry dried naturally and used as tea.

It is used:

• to improve immunity, as well as recovery after illness;
• in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (especially diarrhea);
• with a disease of the upper respiratory tract;
• as a febrifuge;
• as a antiscorbutic agent;
• for quick removal of edema and tissue healing (freshly picked leaves will do);
• while losing weight;

Arctic raspberry is a strong antioxidant of plant origin, able to fight age-related changes in the human body. This explains its widespread use in cosmetology. Anti-aging serums and creams are prepared on the basis of an arctic raspberry extract.

The composition of toning lotions does not go without it. Porridge from fresh fruits of the Arctic raspberry, as well as its juice are used in the treatment of dryness and tightness of the skin. Hair, prone to fragility and lost shine, rinsed with strained broth from the leaves and flowers of the northern raspberry.

As you can see, the princess is really a unique plant. It is not surprising that many modern countries have cultivated arctic raspberries for many years. Leading Finland, whose number of cultivated varieties is in the first place. Although, it is believed that the varieties of princesses in nature does not exist. Just in different areas it is presented in different forms.

Having decided to acquire unpretentious northern raspberries in my garden plot, summer residents must take into account a number of conditions.

• Landing method. Breeding options princes two: seeds and dividing the bush. If the second option is simple enough, then when the plant propagates with seeds, it is worth knowing that you can get the first crop only in three years.The best for planting princes in the garden are considered varieties bred in Sweden: "Linda", "Anna", "Beata" and "Sofia", as well as the Finnish "Aura" and "Astra".
• Choosing a landing site. Taking into account the conditions of the natural growth of the berry, the place for its planting should also be sufficiently wet, but in a place rich in sunshine with shade.

• Landing time. The plant is frost resistant. The most favorable time for planting is the end of April - the beginning of May or September (1.5 months before the hard frost). Plant prince should be beds. The distance between the beds, as well as the distance between the seedlings should be 15-20 cm. It is necessary to take care of the presence of two different varieties of princess at the site for cross-pollination.
• Care. Like the rest of the garden, the berry requires timely watering, feeding, eliminating weeds and removing dried and frozen parts. In areas characterized by special frosts, you should take care of the shelter of plants.
• Picking berries. The Arctic raspberry is ready for harvest in mid-late July. It usually fructifies until the end of August.

See the next video for more on the benefits of the princess.