Fueling your body with U.S. Cranberries

Everybody knows that berries are an important part of a balanced diet and have a positive effect on human health. Cranberries are definitely among the leaders in when it comes to nutrition, and therefore deserve a special mention.

The American or large-fruited cranberry is native to the North American continent. It can be found along the northern part of the United States from Maine to Wisconsin, and along the Appalachians to North Carolina. The indigenous people of the United States were the first to notice the natural benefits of the plant. Natural healers used cranberries to make compresses to draw out the poison from arrow wounds. The rich red color of the berry served as a natural dye for textiles, clothing, and rugs. Native Americans also wore the cranberry as a symbol of peace.

Despite being recognized as a key source of healthy elements essential to the human body, cranberries are rarely eaten raw because of their very sharp and sour taste. This is where the dried version comes into play! Dried cranberries are made by partially dehydrating fresh cranberries, similar to how grapes are turned into raisins.

If you have never tried dried cranberries before – you absolutely should!

A natural preservative – benzoic acid – retains all the vitamins and minerals in the berry for a long time. Hence, dried cranberries have the same beneficial properties as fresh ones, but on top of that, literally taste like candy.

How Dried Cranberries Benefit Your Health

Dried cranberries have many health benefits. First of all, cranberries contain powerful antioxidants that prevents the formation of free radicals in the cells of the body, creating a rejuvenating effect on the body.

Indeed, with age, the accumulation of free radicals in the body is reflected in cellular metabolism and can cause the development of various diseases. Therefore, it is very beneficial to use this fruit for the regeneration of skin, hair, and nails. Cranberries also help to remove tiny wrinkles and contributes to a slight lifting effect of the skin and can help to diminish red spots, acne, and rashes on the face.

The berry contains many useful vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system and protects the body from viral infections and colds. Cranberry tea can effectively fight fever and surely should become your go-to warming drink that will help you to survive long winter evenings.

This dried fruit also helps to improve the condition of blood vessels due to the vitamin C and vitamin B3 in it.

Dried cranberries also have a high content of vitamin E and other B vitamins, as well as trace elements: potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium, some of which have been shown to be effective against urinary tract infections.

If consumed regularly, dried cranberries may even reduce your risk of stomach cancer and improve several risk factors for heart disease, including cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Experts often recommend including berries in the diet for people living in areas affected by air polution.

Incorporating Dried Cranberries into Your Diet

The unquestioned advantage of the American cranberry is the fact that it can be consumed regardless of time or place. They are a ready-made product that is good to use in small amounts in your diet to recharge your body with useful vitamins and minerals, especially in winter and spring, when our body needs them so much.

You can take a bag of dried berries with you to the office, on a trip, or for a walk.

Its sweet fruity flavor will add unique character to every dish, while its ruby color will make the table especially interesting and appetizing.

Dried Cranberry Storage Rules

So that dried cranberries can be stored for a long time and not lose their beneficial properties, they should be stored in a dry, dark place. The temperature should not exceed 25 °C. In this way, the product will remain edible for 1 year. If you store them in the refrigerator, the shelf life increases to two years.

Culinary Uses

Dried berries are popular in quick breakfasts, sweets (cranberries in sugar, dried cranberries in chocolate), cakes, cookies, muffins, and in delicious tea or fruit drinks. An interesting option is also to add dried cranberries to salads. Check out this recipe for Green Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pecans!

So do yourself a favor – try adding delicious U.S.dried cranberries to your diet. They will not only diversify your usual daily menu, but also significantly contribute to your body’s health!