Cranberries have only been known in Germany for a few years, but have been part of the menu in the USA and Canada since the days of the Pilgrim Fathers. A typical menu for Thanksgiving – one of the most important holidays in North America – consists primarily of turkey and cranberries.
Where does the cranberry originally come from?
The cranberry originally comes from the raised bogs in eastern North America, particularly from the Canadian territories of Newfoundland and New Brunswick as well as the US states of Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. Through cultivation it has also spread to some German moors, England and the Netherlands.
Cranberry – the crane berry
The Indians knew and valued the cranberry for many centuries, not only as a he althy source of vitamins, but also because of its healing properties. The first North American settlers (known as the “Pllgrim Fathers” in the USA) also learned to appreciate the berries. The name “cranberry” also goes back to them, which goes back to “crane berry”. The shape of the flower reminded the Pilgrim Fathers of the head and beak of a crane. The berry is also called a cranberry because of its preferred habitat, but should not be confused with the cranberry species native to Europe. In German supermarkets, the cranberry is sometimes sold as a “cultivated lingonberry”, but should not be confused with this.
Spread of the cranberry
The cranberry originally comes from the raised bogs in eastern North America. Because of this, it primarily needs acidic soil and lots of water to thrive. The dwarf shrub is found wild primarily in the Canadian territories of Newfoundland and New Brunswick as well as in the US states of Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia, but has now also become native to some German moors, England and the Netherlands. Especially in the USA, cranberries are grown industrially on large plantations. The industrial harvesting method is particularly interesting: Since the fruits are significantly lighter than water, the cranberry fields are simply flooded with water at harvest time. The fruits are detached from the bushes and carried away.
Ingredients and he alth value
Cranberries are considered very he althy. They contain per 100 grams
- 7.5 – 10.5 milligrams of vitamin C
- 6 milligrams of phosphorus
- 56 milligrams of potassium
- 2 milligrams sodium
- and antioxidants
- and secondary plant ingredients.
Especially in the USA, the tart berries are also used as a traditional remedy (e.g. as juice), among other things. used against urinary tract infections. Their he althy ingredients can be preserved primarily through gentle drying or freezing. Raw consumption, however, is not advisable as the raw berries taste quite tart and sour. However, they are not poisonous, as is often claimed.
Tips & Tricks
You can use dried cranberries as a he althy substitute for raisins. They are not as sweet as these, but taste slightly sour. This flavor goes wonderfully in many baked goods such as: B. Stollen, but also in breakfast muesli.
