Dried Cranberries, Sweetened

Vaccinium macrocarpon

Origin / Harvest:

• Canada / September–October

Description & History

Dried and sweetened with either cane sugar or apple juice, our cranberries are grown in their native Canadian soil.

Although cranberries also grow wild in northern Europe and Asia, the North American cranberry has an extensive and celebrated history. They were traditionally used by Native Americans as food, medicine, and in celebrations. The brightly colored berry was also used as a source of red dye and to treat wounds due to its astringent properties. When combined with cornmeal, cranberries were used to counteract blood poisoning.

The first commercial cranberry beds were planted on Cape Cod, Massachusetts in 1816. Today, the majority of cranberries are still produced in their native North American habitat.

Uses

The dried cranberry in itself can be quite tart; once sweetened, these berries have a pleasing balance of sweet and sour and are a perfect snack food. Dried cranberries can be used similarly to raisins and added to cookies, booked goods, trail mixes and even savory dishes.

Nutrition

Dried cranberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and dietary fiber and a good source of manganese and copper. In addition, the consumption of dried cranberries promotes urinary tract health and can help prevent kidney stones.

Dried Cranberries