Delicious Cranberries
Cranberries are a good source of antioxidants such as proanthocyanidins which help cells oxidative damage caused by free radicals. This may help reduce chronic diseases including cognitive decline, cancer and heart disease. Cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidins that inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) and may prevent recurrence of (UTIs). Cranberries may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties promoting cardiovascular health. Cranberries contain fiber and prebiotics which promotes healthy digestion feeding beneficial gut bacteria which may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Cranberries may aid in weight management, reduce the risk of stomach ulcers, improve blood sugar level control and anti aging effects.
In 2020 the world production of cranberries was 663,345 tones with the United States, Canada and Chile accounting for 97 percent of the global total. American cranberries have been described in several surveys as the richest food source for flavonoids containing 20-40 mg /100 g FW. Flavonols are natural compounds found in many plant foods including vegetables, teas, fruits and dark chocolate. They have many potential health benefits when consumed for their antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals which are linked to health issues including cancer, Alzheimer’s. And heart disease. Flavonols can help reduce inflammation in the body, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Cranberries are rarely eaten fresh due to its tart astringent taste. It is mainly consumed as a processed juice, a liquid fruit juice of the cranberry, a fruit recognized for its bright red color and tart taste.
Cranberries are versatile for product manufacturers who create cranberry juice, dried cranberries, cranberry sauce, cranberry powder, frozen cranberries, and dietary supplements containing cranberry extract herbal supplements. “ There is strong experimental evidence that cranberry bioactives have favorable effects on blood pressure, glucose metabolism, lipoprotein profiles, oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial function. However, currently available data from human studies provide mixed results about the clinical significance of these actions on cardiovascular health.” PubMed Cranberries is one of several small creepy crawling trailing plants of the genus Vaccinium in the family of Ericaceae and their edible red fruits. In regions where they are grown cranberries are a popular pie filling and their juice is widely marketed as a refreshing beverage.
Cranberries are also served in sauces, relishes traditionally associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas in U.S. and Canadian areas. The stems of the plants are wiry creepy plants. The leaves are evergreen oval or elliptical in shape and less than 1.2 cm (0.5 inch) small bell shaped flowers appear in June and have four lobed rose tinted corolla. The round crimson berries ripen in September are about the size of current and often spotted in appearance. Berry harvesting begins in early September and continues into late October. Commercial fields are flooded and the ripe floating fruits are scooped from the water surface. Most cranberry products are consumed in the United States and Canada. In 2025 the cranberry industry is expected to reach USD 3.83 billion and grow at a CAGR of 4.11 percent to reach USD 4.69billion by 2030.
Wisconsin is the leading producer of cranberries in the United States growing 9,4 million barrels in 2024. Today Ocean Spray cranberry Craisins dried cranberries products have gained in popularity and sold in 20 ounce pouches with reduced 50 percent less sugar compared to regular Craisins. It’s just good stuff as Ocean Spray Craisins have no artificial flavors or preservatives, just bold flavor.
Cheers!
Patricia Lynn
Images Courtesy of Sandra at Adobestock
