Råbærsyltetøy (Nordic Raw Cloudberry Jam)
This raw cloudberry jam captures the intense, floral tartness of the Nordic tundra without a single minute of cooking, preserving heat-sensitive vitamins and enzymes. Sweetened only with whole Medjool dates and a whisper of raw honey, it balances the fruit's natural acidity while maintaining a bright, gelatinous texture. Served as a vibrant condiment alongside roasted game or seared fatty fish, it offers a sophisticated, polyphenol-dense finish to a clean dinner.
A little context
In traditional Scandinavian cuisine, cloudberry jam (hunnebærsyltetøy) is a celebrated accompaniment to game meats and rich cheeses, historically preserved with large amounts of white sugar to survive the winter. We honor this tradition by utilizing the fruit's natural pectin and the enzymatic activity of raw honey to set the jam, stripping away refined sugar to respect the fruit's delicate profile. This adaptation aligns with the farm-to-table ethos, prioritizing the integrity of the wild harvest over shelf-stability.
Method
- 01
Prepare the dates
Place the pitted Medjool dates in a small bowl and cover with warm water. Let them soak for 10 minutes until they are soft and pliable, then drain thoroughly.
- 02
Puree the base
In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked dates, raw honey, lemon juice, and sea salt. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- 03
Fold in the berries
Transfer the date-honey paste to a large mixing bowl. Gently fold in the cloudberries using a spatula. If you prefer a smoother jam, pulse the berries briefly in the food processor first, but do not over-process or they will turn to mush.
- 04
Let it macerate
Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. This allows the natural pectin in the berries to interact with the acid and the sweetness of the dates to meld with the tartness of the fruit.
- 05
Emulsify with oil
Just before serving, drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the mixture and fold it in gently. This step adds a luxurious mouthfeel and locks in the polyphenols.
- 06
Strain (Optional)
For a refined texture, push the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and skins. For a rustic, fiber-rich texture, skip this step.
- 07
Chill and Serve
Spoon the jam into glass jars. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and the texture to set slightly before serving.
Pro tips
- ✦Sourcing is key: Look for cloudberries that are firm and golden-orange; avoid any that are mushy or have dark spots.
- ✦If using frozen cloudberries, do not thaw them completely before blending if you want to retain more texture; a partial thaw works best.
- ✦The olive oil should be a robust, peppery variety to stand up to the intense berry flavor; a mild oil will get lost.
- ✦This jam improves after 24 hours in the fridge as the flavors meld, making it a great make-ahead component for dinner parties.
- ✦Taste before adding honey; wild berries vary in acidity, and you may need less than the recipe suggests.
Substitutions
- cloudberries → wild raspberries or blackberries (these berries have similar pectin levels and tart profiles, though the flavor will be less floral.)
- Medjool dates → 100% pure maple syrup (sparingly) (will result in a runnier consistency and less fiber; add a teaspoon of chia seeds to help thicken.)
Storage
Store in a sterilized glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The jam will firm up significantly when cold. Do not freeze as the texture of the raw berries may become mealy upon thawing.
What to serve with it
- Served warm alongside seared venison or wild-caught salmon
- Dollop on a slice of sourdough with grass-fed butter
- Accompaniment to a cheese plate with aged goat cheese
- Pair with a cup of hot, unsweetened green tea or a glass of dry red wine
FAQ
Why is this jam raw and not cooked?+
Cooking destroys the delicate vitamin C and ellagic acid in cloudberries. By keeping it raw, we preserve the full nutritional profile and the bright, fresh flavor that defines the Nordic tradition.
Can I make this without dates?+
Dates provide the necessary fiber and bulk to mimic the texture of traditional jam without refined sugar. If omitted, you must use a thickener like chia seeds or arrowroot, but the texture will be different.
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