What Fruits Did the Norse Eat? A Look at Viking Age Produce

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

Archaeological finds, such as those at the Oseberg burial site, confirm that apples were indeed part of the Norse diet. But apples were just one of many fruits enjoyed by these seafarers and farmers. The question of what fruits did the Norse eat reveals a diet rich in foraged berries and some cultivated orchard fruits, providing essential vitamins and flavors to their meals.

Quick Summary

This article explores the various fruits and berries that comprised the Norse diet during the Viking Age, including wild-foraged options like cloudberries and raspberries, as well as cultivated fruits such as apples and plums. Preservation methods and seasonal availability are also covered.

Key Points

Wild Berries Dominated: Much of the Norse fruit intake came from foraging wild berries like cloudberries, bilberries, and lingonberries.
Cultivated Orchard Fruits Existed: Apples, pears, and cherries were grown in orchards, particularly in southern Scandinavia.
Apples Held Mythical Importance: Beyond their dietary value, apples were significant in Norse mythology, linked to eternal youth.
Preservation was Key: Berries and fruits were dried, stored in honey, or preserved in water to last through the harsh winters.
Nuts Were Also Important: Hazelnuts were foraged, while walnuts were a luxury trade item.
Flavor was Different: Many wild fruits were tarter or more bitter than their modern cultivated descendants.

Wild Berries: The Nordic Foraging Bounty

Foraging for wild berries was a fundamental part of the Norse diet, especially during the summer and early autumn when these fruits were at their peak abundance. The Scandinavian forests and wetlands provided a rich harvest of various wild berries that were consumed fresh or preserved for winter. These berries were a critical source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which was vital for preventing illnesses like scurvy during the long, dark winters.

Common Wild Berries in the Norse Diet

Cloudberries: Known as the "gold of the Arctic," these berries grew in northern bogs and were highly prized. Their soft, amber fruit was likely eaten fresh or preserved.
Bilberries: Often confused with modern blueberries, the Norse bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus ) was a prominent part of their diet.
Lingonberries: Also known as cowberries, these tart berries were harvested in the autumn and could be kept fresh for extended periods by storing them in cold water.
Raspberries: Wild raspberries were foraged from woodlands and likely eaten fresh during the summer months.
Wild Strawberries: Although much smaller and less sweet than their modern cultivated counterparts, wild strawberries were gathered and enjoyed.
Elderberries and Sloes: Both elderberries and the bitter sloe berries were part of the Viking foraging habit. Elderberries required preparation, as they are toxic when raw.
Rose Hips: These were used for their medicinal properties and high vitamin C content.
Sea Buckthorn: Growing along coastal regions, sea buckthorn berries were another important source of vitamin C.

Cultivated Orchard Fruits and Imported Luxuries

While foraging provided the most variety, some Norse communities practiced agriculture and maintained orchards. The availability of these fruits depended on the region's climate and the wealth of the farm owner. Orchard fruits were often more common in the southern, more temperate parts of Scandinavia.

Apples: A Staple and a Myth

Apples were a particularly significant fruit for the Norse. The archaeological find in the Oseberg ship burial included apples, which had been preserved for the afterlife. In Norse mythology, the goddess Iðunn was the keeper of the apples that kept the gods eternally young, highlighting the fruit's importance. While likely smaller and tarter than today's varieties, they were a valuable source of nutrition.

Other Cultivated Tree Fruits

Plums: Varieties of plums, including the smaller, more acidic damson and bullace plums, were cultivated or foraged.
Pears: Archaeological and historical evidence suggests that some Norse farmers had pear trees.
Cherries: Cherries were also part of the Viking diet, either from cultivated trees or foraged from wild varieties.

Nuts and Trade Goods

Nuts were another important part of the diet, particularly hazelnuts, which grew wild across Scandinavia. Walnuts were not native to the region but were a luxury item imported through trade.

Comparison of Norse Fruits: Wild vs. Cultivated


Feature	Wild Berries (Cloudberry, Bilberry)	Cultivated Fruits (Apple, Plum)
Source	Primarily foraged from forests, bogs, and coastal areas	Grown in orchards on farms, mainly in southern Scandinavia
Availability	Seasonal (summer and autumn)	Seasonal harvest, but stored for winter use
Taste Profile	Generally tarter and more intense flavor	Likely tarter and harder than modern varieties
Storage	Dried, stored in honey, or kept in cold water	Dried, stored whole, or cooked down
Cultural Significance	Part of daily scavenging and sustenance	Some, like apples, held mythological importance
Nutritional Value	High in Vitamin C and antioxidants	Good source of fiber and vitamins

The Role of Fruit in the Norse Diet

For the Norse, fruits and berries were a supplementary part of a diet dominated by meat, fish, and dairy products. They were not a primary calorie source but were highly valued for their taste and nutritional benefits. Fruits were consumed in several ways:

Fresh: Eaten raw during the harvest season.
Dried: Many berries and apples were dried to preserve them for the long winter months.
Sweetened: Fruits and berries were often combined with honey to make sweet treats, as refined sugar was unknown.
Cooked: They were added to porridges, stews, and compotes.
Fermented: Fruit wine, though likely less common than mead or ale, was known, especially among the wealthier classes.

Conclusion

While the image of a Viking might conjure thoughts of meat and ale, the reality of their diet was far more varied. The Norse ate a wide range of fruits, relying heavily on the abundance of wild berries across the Scandinavian landscape, complemented by cultivated orchard fruits like apples, plums, and cherries in more hospitable regions. Their resourceful use of foraging and simple preservation techniques ensured that these vital sources of vitamins and flavor were available even through the harshest of winters. From the mythical apples of Iðunn to the humble, vitamin C-rich lingonberry, fruit played a significant and appreciated role in the daily life and health of the Norse people. National Museum of Denmark

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some Norse farmers cultivated fruit, most notably apples, pears, and cherries in orchards, especially in the southern regions of Scandinavia.

The Norse diet included a variety of wild berries such as cloudberries, bilberries, lingonberries, raspberries, wild strawberries, and elderberries.

While most fruits were locally sourced, wealthier Norse communities imported luxury fruits, such as walnuts and potentially dried figs or grapes, through their extensive trade networks.

To preserve fruit for winter, the Norse would dry them, store them in honey, or, in the case of lingonberries, store them in cold water.

Yes, the Norse ate apples. Archaeological evidence, including findings at the Oseberg burial site, confirms that apples were part of their diet and were a culturally significant fruit.

No, modern fruits like bananas, oranges, and refined sugar were not available. The Norse relied on locally available and foraged fruits and used honey as their primary sweetener.

The Oseberg ship burial included apples, which provides concrete archaeological evidence that this particular fruit was part of the Viking diet and even considered important enough for a burial.

Yes, nuts were part of the Norse diet. Hazelnuts were commonly foraged from the wild, and walnuts were imported through trade routes.