Puolukkahillo

Puolukkahillo, or cloudberry jam, is a traditional Finnish preserve made primarily from ripe cloudberries (Rubus chamaemorus). Cloudberries are valued for their amber color, delicate aroma, and tart-sweet flavor. The jam is usually prepared by gently simmering berries with sugar, and often a small amount of lemon juice or water to balance acidity. Because cloudberries are delicate and seasonally scarce, recipes vary in sugar content and texture, and some cooks add commercial pectin to help set.

Cloudberries grow in circumboreal bogs across northern Europe, including Finland. The harvest takes place mainly in late summer, and fresh berries are expensive. As a result, puolukkahillo is commonly produced at home or bought in jars, and commercial varieties may mix in other berries.

The jam is commonly spread on buttered bread or served with pastries, pancakes, or waffles. It is also paired with mild Finnish cheeses and desserts, such as pannukakku or jäätelö, and is a familiar accompaniment to Leipäjuusto, the squeaky cheese.

Unopened jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry. After opening, the jam should be refrigerated and consumed within several weeks. Properly processed jars can last up to a year when stored sealed.

Nutritionally, cloudberry jams are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, and culturally, puolukkahillo is a staple of Nordic berry traditions, closely associated with late-summer harvests and festive occasions.