Lingonberries play very prominently in Scandinavian cuisine; you really shouldn't serve Swedish Meatballs without a tart dollop of lingonberry sauce. These berries are closely related to cranberries, although they really seem more similar to gooseberries or red currants. Besides, they have a sour, tart flavor, yet they're quite perfect to be mashed and then spread on toast, pancakes or cookies with a sprinkle of sugar on top. Lingonberries are rich in compounds that function as antioxidants, including manganese, vitamin C and vitamin E. According to test-tube studies, lingonberries also contain plant compounds that may fend off bacteria that promote gum disease and plaque accumulation on teeth