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.
Cranberry - the crane berry
The Indians have known and valued the cranberry for many centuries, not only as a source of healthy vitamins, but also because of its healing properties. The first North American settlers (known in the USA as "Pllgrim Fathers") also learned to appreciate the berries. They are also the origin of the name "cranberry", which goes back to "crane berry" - "crane berry". The shape of the flower reminded the Pilgrim Fathers of the head and beak of a crane. In addition, the berry is referred to as 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 offered as a "cultured lingonberry", but it should not be confused with this.
Spread of the cranberry
The cranberry originally comes from the high moors in eastern North America. Because of this, it needs acidic soil and lots of water to thrive. The dwarf shrub occurs wild in the Canadian territories of Newfoundland and New Brunswick and in the US states of Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia, but has now also become native to some German moors, England and the Netherlands. In the USA in particular, cranberries are grown industrially on large plantations. The industrial harvesting method is particularly interesting: Since the fruit is significantly lighter than water, the cranberry fields are simply flooded with water at harvest time. The fruits are loosened from the bushes and carried away.
Ingredients and health value
Cranberries are considered very healthy. They contain per 100 grams
- 7.5 - 10.5 milligrams of vitamin C
- 6 milligrams of phosphorus
- 56 milligrams of potassium
- 2 milligrams of sodium
- as well as antioxidants
- and secondary plant compounds.
Especially in the USA, the tart berries are also used as a traditional remedy (e.g. as a juice) e.g. used against urinary tract infections. Their healthy ingredients can be preserved primarily by gentle drying or freezing. However, eating them raw is not advisable, as the raw berries taste quite tart and sour. However, they are not poisonous, as is often claimed.
tips and tricks
You can use dried cranberries as a healthy substitute for raisins. They are not as sweet as these, but taste slightly sour. This aroma fits wonderfully into many baked goods such as B. Stollen, but also in breakfast muesli.