Red berries at Christmas | Cranberries

Cranberries are small red berries that grow on shrubs in Northern Europe, Asia and the United States. These tart berries are complemented by sweet ingredients.

Cranberries have long been valued for their ability to help prevent and treat urinary tract infections. Now, recent studies suggest that this berry may also promote gastrointestinal and oral health, lower cholesterol, aid in recovery from stroke, and even help prevent cancer.

North and native Americans were the first to use cranberries as food. Native Americans used cranberries in a variety of foods, especially for pemmican, wound medicine and dye. They introduced the berries to starving English settlers in Massachusetts, who incorporated the berries into traditional Thanksgiving feasts. In the 1820s, cranberries were shipped to Europe. They became popular for wild harvesting in the Nordic countries and Russia. In Scotland, the berries were originally wild-harvested but with the loss of suitable habitat, the plants have become so scarce that this is no longer done.

Fresh cranberries, which contain the highest levels of beneficial nutrients, are at their peak from October through December, just in time to add their festive hue, tart tangy flavour and numerous health protective effects to your holiday meals.

Cooking with cranberries

Cranberries are too tart to be eaten on their own and require gentle cooking. Most cranberries are processed into juice and jams and are available as a sweetened dried variety. They are also available fresh throughout cranberry season between September and December and frozen all year round.

• Take advantage of cranberries' tartness by using them to replace vinegar or lemon when dressing your green salads. Toss the greens with a little olive oil and then add color and zest with a handful of raw cranberries.
• To balance their extreme tartness, combine fresh cranberries with other fruits such as oranges, apples, pineapple or pears. If desired, add a little fruit juice, honey or maple syrup to chopped fresh cranberries.
• Combine unsweetened cranberry in equal parts with your favourite fruit juice and sparkling mineral water for a lightly sweetened, refreshing spritzer. For even more colour appeal, garnish with a slice of lime.
• Add colour and variety to your favorite recipes for rice pudding, quick breads or muffins by using dried cranberries instead of raisins.
• Sprinkle a handful of dried cranberries over a bowl of hot oatmeal, barley, or any cold cereal.
• Mix dried cranberries with lightly roasted and salted nuts for a delicious snack.