Amarsaq (N); Amaryaq (S)
Viburnum edule (Michx.) Raf.
Plant
High-bush cranberry is a medium-to-tall upright shrub found in Kodiak’s woods, thickets, and clearings. High-bush cranberry’s small, white, cluster-forming flowers develop into round, red, sour fruit that is quite juicy. The plant has rounded, lobed leaves and smooth, gray bark.
Gathering: High-bush cranberries ripen in September and are typically available through October. Some people use the partially ripe berries, those that are not completely red.
Food: Added to mashed potato akutaq, puddings, and desserts.
Medicine: High-bush cranberry tea, juice, jelly, syrup, whole and mashed cranberries, and cranberry bark are valued for treaing sore throats, colds, laryngitis, and coughs. The berries were also eaten to treat tapeworm, and to relieve menstrual cramps, bleeding, and stomach problems.
