The Holidays may be over – but Keep Eating Cranberries

Cranberries are often referred to as a “superfood” due to their antioxidant content and high nutrition value. Why, then, do we only eat them from Thanksgiving to New Year’s?

Antioxidants are known to protect the body from free radicals, which may be associated with cancer, heart diseases, and immune system problems. Although our body produces antioxidants, eating the right foods can increase the benefits they provide to us. Many fruits and vegetables contain antioxidant benefits, but cranberries top of the list; surpassed only by the uber-healthy blueberry.

What other health benefits do cranberries provide? The nutritional benefits of cranberries include vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin E. A well-known advantage of eating or drinking cranberries is the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberries have been known to slow tumor progression, thereby working against various forms of cancer. Their anti-inflammatory characteristics are helpful in fighting cardiovascular disease.

So… we need our cranberries, but don’t they taste kind of bitter? Cranberries are not exactly best eaten raw straight from the bag, like grapes or strawberries. In fact, in nearly all cranberry recipes they are sweetened. We found some terrific recipes at www.cranberries.org – everything from a cranberry almond goat cheese log to cranberry bread and a white chocolate cranberry cake dessert. I plan on trying a few myself, and I promise to share my favorites.

Cranberries are native to North America. There are number of cranberry farms (bogs) in the Northeast, many which are located in southern Massachusetts. Unfortunately, the last commercial blog on Long Island closed in the 1970’s. The largest was once located where aptly-named Cranberry Bog County Park is located in Riverhead. Today you can still find cranberry growing wild in small bogs along the coast of Napeague Harbor in East Hampton.

Although many of our local farm stands are closed until spring, you can count on your local markets for fresh cranberries. Enjoy, and please share your favorite recipe with us!

Here’s to a healthy 2016!