John Myers
Anyone who sees fresh cranberries for the first time will wonder how the cranberries managed to get so big. In fact, the two red berries are also related to each other. They grow on evergreen small shrubs (20cm – 2m high) and are harvested in a spectacular way. The areas where the berries are grown are flooded, so the berries then detach from the plants by gently shaking them and float on the water. Here they are then fished off or sucked off. To dry them, they are dried whole in large ovens with a supply of warm air. As a result, the fruit loses moisture and its percentage of sugar increases, making it sweeter but also keeping it longer.
Origin
Cranberries grow in North America and Canada.
Season
Dried cranberries are available year-round.
Taste
Dried cranberries taste sweet and sour and fruity. There are variants sweetened with sugar syrup, which lose their sour taste component as a result.
Use
Dried cranberries are great for snacking between meals. They are a good substitute for confectionery. They are also suitable for pastries with dried fruit (fruit bread). Also delicious in muesli, with yoghurt and in homemade muesli bars. They can also be incorporated into savory recipes to refine them. Soak the berries in cranberry or apple juice beforehand.
Storage
It is best to store the dried fruit in a cool (7-10 °C) and dry place. Storage in the refrigerator is not recommended because the humidity there is too high. Closable, opaque cans are best.
Durability
If stored properly, dried cranberries can be kept for up to 12 months. Sulphurised fruit has a longer shelf life than unsulphurised fruit. The warmer the storage location, the shorter the shelf life.
Are dried cranberries good for you?
Dried cranberries contain lots of antioxidants and vitamins beneficial for your body. Apart from weight loss, cranberries serve as the best preventive natural source of urinary tract infection (UTI). Including cranberries in your diet may reduce the risk of heart disease due to polyphenols.
Are dried cranberries full of sugar?
Out of all fruits, cranberries have one of the lowest amounts of sugar. In every cup of cranberries, there is only 4g of sugar. This compares to raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries, which have 5, 7, and 7 grams of sugar per cup, respectively.
How many dried cranberries should I eat a day?
Dried cranberries are literally just cranberries that have had their water content removed. The serving size for dried cranberries — and any dried fruit — is 1/4 cup, per the American Heart Association (AHA).
Which are healthier raisins or cranberries?
Raisins are the clear choice. They’re slightly lower in calories and sugar, but offer more protein, potassium, and other good-for-you nutrients.
Are dried cranberries a laxative?
Fiber. Dried cranberries are full of insoluble fiber from the dense, chewy cranberry skins. This type of fiber speeds your digestive tract, relieves constipation, and helps you have regular, soft bowel movements.
Do cranberries make you poop?
Increasing the intake of fluids, including cranberry or prune juice diluted with water, is a great way to help relieve constipation. The juice contains about 14 grams of carbohydrate per 8-ounce serving and 120 calories.
