MSU Extension 4-H Plants, Soils & Gardening

Cranberries are colorful, delicious and have numerous health benefits. They have an interesting history and can be used in a variety of ways. Cranberries are considered a superfood and have a deep tradition in our holiday gatherings, from sauces, breads and desserts, to fresh berries used in decorating for the holidays. Michigan State University Extension encourages you to learn more about cranberries this holiday season.

History of cranberries

According to Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association, cranberries have a long and interesting history and were a staple in the diet of Native Americans. They are one of the three fruits commercially grown that can trace their origins back to North America (the other two are Concord grapes and blueberries).

• Cranberries are native to North America.
• Cranberries were grown by Native Americans and used for food, fabric dye and medicinal purposes.
• Cranberries were derived from the word “craneberry” as the cranberry flowers resembles the head and bills of Sandhill cranes.

How cranberries grow

To see how cranberries grow, watch Cranberries: How Does It Grow? from The Kid Should See This.

In addition, here are a few fun facts about growing cranberries:

• Cranberries do not grow in water.
• Cranberries grow in bogs, which are beds layered with peat, sand and clay.
• Cranberry bogs are flooded two times a year, once during winter to keep plants insulated from the cold and once at harvest time as berries float to the water’s surface for an easier harvest.
• Cranberry vines can grow indefinitely; some commercial vines in Massachusetts are over 150 years old.

Cranberries are good for you

Cranberries are considered a superfood because of their high nutrient content and antioxidant properties. According to Cranberries: Health Benefits, Health Risks from Medical News Today, some of the proven health benefits of eating cranberries are:

• Improved immune function.
• Lower risk of urinary tract infections.
• Decreased blood pressure.
• Prevention of certain types of cancer.

For more information on the health benefits of cranberries, visit WebMD’s cranberry page.

Eating cranberries

Cranberries are delicious, colorful and good for you, but getting kids to try cranberries is a different story. Cranberries are very tart and do not lend themselves to snacking in their natural state. They are available fresh, frozen and dried, and can be used in a variety of recipes that kids might like to make and eat. Some examples include:

• Cranberry bread, cakes and desserts
• Cranberry salsa
• Cranberry sauce
• Dried cranberries, marketed as Craisins (trademark Ocean Spray)

Cranberry Christmas Cake

Cranberry Christmas Cake has become one of my family’s favorite holiday desserts. This recipe is adapted from Barefeet in the Kitchen, and easy enough for kids to make.

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 2 cups of sugar
• 3/4 cup of butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour * see note below for gluten-free alternative
• 12 ounces fresh cranberries

* Gluten-free substitution: 1 ¼ cup brown rice flour + ½ cup potato starch + ¼ cup tapioca starch + 1 teaspoon xanthan gum may be substituted for the amount of all-purpose flour listed in the ingredients above.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. With a mixer, beat the eggs with sugar until slightly thickened and light in color, about 5-7 minutes. The mixture should almost double in size. The eggs work as your leavening agent in this recipe, so do not skip this step. The sugar and egg mixture should form a ribbon when you lift the beaters out of the bowl.
3. Add butter and vanilla; mix for two more minutes.
4. Stir in flour until just combined.
5. Add the cranberries and stir to mix throughout.
6. Spread in a buttered 9x13 pan.
7. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before cutting into small pieces.

Cranberries for decorating

Cranberries can also be used for holiday decorating, indoors and out. Here are a few ideas to use cranberries for decorating your home for the holidays.

• Floating in water with candles
• Holiday candle accent
• Strung in garland with popcorn
• Strung outdoors in a garland (the birds will love this holiday treat)