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Cranberries are a group of evergreen dwarf shrubs or trailing vines. They are found in acidic bogs throughout the cooler parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Cranberries are related to the bilberries, blueberries, and huckleberries. A common misconception about cranberry production is that the beds remain flooded throughout the year.

During the growing season they are irrigated regularly to maintain soil moisture. Beds are flooded in the fall to facilitate harvest and again during the winter to protect against low temperatures. In cold climates like Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and eastern the winter flood typically freezes into ice while in warmer climates the water remains liquid. When ice forms on the beds trucks can be driven onto the ice to spread a thin layer of sand that helps to control pests and to rejuvenate the vines. Sanding is done every three to five years.

Cranberries are harvested in the fall when the fruit takes on its distinctive deep red color. This is usually in late September and into October. To harvest cranberries the beds are flooded with six to eight inches of water. A harvester is driven through the beds to remove the fruit from the vines. Harvested cranberries float in the water and can be corralled into a corner of the bed and conveyed or pumped from the bed.

White cranberry juice is made from regular cranberries that have been harvested after the fruit are mature, but before they have attained their characteristic dark red color. About 95% of cranberries are processed into products such as juice, sauce, and sweetened dried cranberries. The remaining 5% is sold fresh to consumers. Cranberries destined to processing are usually frozen in bulk containers shortly after arriving at a receiving station. Cranberries for fresh market are stored in shallow bins or boxes with perforated or slatted bottoms to allow air movement to prevent decay. Because harvest occurs in late fall cranberries for fresh market are frequently stored in thick walled barns without mechanical refrigeration. Temperatures are regulated by opening and closing vents in the barn as needed.

Cranberry juice contains a chemical that blocks pathogens that cause tooth decay. Cranberries are also a source of polyphenol antioxidants, chemicals which are known to provide certain health benefits to the cardiovascular system and immune system. Cranberry juice has been found to help prevent bladder infections. A component of the juice appears to competitively inhibit bacterial attachment to the bladder allowing the bacteria to be flushed out more easily. Cranberries also act as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting the growth of harmful E coli and listeria.

An autumn 2004 caution from the Committee on Safty of Medicines, the agency dealing with drug safety, advised patients taking warfarin not to drink cranberry juice because adverse effects were reported. Warfarin (also known under the brand names of Coumadin, Jantoven,Marevanï, and Waran) are anticoafulant medications. Cranberries conatin tannins. Tannins have anti-clotting properties.

Reference: Wikipedia

Copyright by VeggieSensations.com 11/9/2006