Cranberries - Not Just for Holidays Anymore

Cranberries – Not Just for Holidays Anymore

Cranberries, once found only on the Thanksgiving table, have become a favorite food year-round. Wisconsin’s official state fruit has found its way into main courses, salads, breads and desserts to offer taste buds a treat throughout the entire year.

The cranberry, once called “crane berry” by settlers because of the blossom’s resemblance to the sand hill crane, is grown in 20 Wisconsin counties. Cranberries are one of the few fruits native to North America (concord grapes and blueberries are two others).

Cranberries are not only good to eat, they are good for you. Fruit is always a good choice to include in your meals and snacks, but the cranberry is high in fiber and has just 25 calories per one half cup. It is also low in sodium and a good source of vitamin C.

Cranberries have properties that protect our bodies from certain types of bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections, gum disease and stomach ulcers. Cranberries and cranberry products contain significant amounts of antioxidants that may help protect against heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.

The tangy flavor of cranberries enhances that of other foods. Whenever you plan a meal or a snack with color and zest, think of a way to include cranberries. For example, start your day with cranberry juice or a cranberry muffin. Cranberries are a great addition to salads, and garnishes for poultry and pork. Cranberries in breads and stuffing are other ways to liven up a main course.

For recipes check out the Wisconsin Cranberry Growers Association website at:  http:wiscran.org for great recipes including the 2011 Wisconsin State Fair winners including Cranberry Pecan bread, Cranberry Pecan tarts and much more.

Source, Connie Eisch, Wood County UW-Extension Family Living Educator