Diddle-dee jam

The diddle-dee (Empetrum rubrum) is a low, evergreen shrub, compared to Scotland’s heather, that blankets large areas of the islands. It flowers in October, and the red, juicy berries usually ripen from January or February. They also feed geese and small birds. The plant is also found in Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia.

In the past, the berries were an important fruit source for those living on the camp, the rural interior of the islands. They were easy to pick, and families would make a year’s supply of jam at once or preserve the fruit in jars. The shrub also served as firewood, and local gauchos used it to start their fires.

Diddle-dee remains the preferred berry for jam. The flavor is sweet-tart. The jam appears at smoko, the tea break, spread on scones with butter and farm cream, and is sold in Stanley’s shops.