Cranberries are harvested from late August through November and have a limited season in the fall. You’ll see fresh cranberries filling the produce section at your local supermarket during their peak harvest season from early October through December. So, right now is the time to stock up!

One of the most well-known health benefits of cranberries is their ability to prevent and treat urinary tract infections. Cranberries have anti-bacterial properties, which help prevent bacteria from sticking within the body (such as what causes a urinary tract infection).

This berry is also packed with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. Extensive research shows that they’ve been known to help improve heart health and prevent stomach cancer.

Additionally, they have health-protective antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that have also been linked to a reduced risk for gingivitis, certain cancers, and high blood pressure. White cranberries (unripe cranberries) will have the same nutrition benefits, they simply lack the pigment of the red fruit. Plus, it’s so serendipitous that they come in just in time for cold season when things like antioxidants and vitamin C are much needed to support immune health.

Having a high acidity can translate to a slight bitterness, so cranberries pair really well with sweet or citrus flavors, which will wake up the floral notes in the fruit. Consider these ideas for putting them to work (beyond cranberry sauce):

• Blend them up. Cranberries can be a great addition to smoothies, salad dressing, or chutneys. They provide a powerful antioxidant boost.
• Top a salad. And I’m not just talking about a fruit salad. They’re wonderful when mixed with diced apples and feta cheese crumbles in a leafy greens salad.
• Bake into a cake or pie. There’s nothing quite as old school as a cranberry cake, pie, crumble, or quick bread. (I think Ocean Spray has the best cranberry bread recipe ever! It’s the one that’s always on the back of their packaging.)
• Make a relish. Served with turkey or ham, it’s divine.
• Add to stuffing. Cranberries sliced fresh and baked into stuffing create juicy, savory, and unexpected pops of flavor.
• Sauté. Cook them down with onions, thyme, and butter for a turkey topper that has a deeper, savory note compared to cranberry sauce. It’s a spread you won’t forget.

Speaking of spreads, here’s a recipe from cookbook author and international vegan chef, Del Sroufe. He says, “This marriage of sweet and savory flavors can’t be beat. You’ll want to make this throughout the holiday season because folks will be asking for it!”




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    Alice Osborne
    Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2006
    Email the author! alice@dvo.com