Frequently Asked Cranberry Questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about cranberries, bogs and marshes. If your question is not answered, feel free to send us an email.
- What is an antioxidant?
- How many cranberries should I eat or drink?
- What is the best way to freeze cranberries?
- How have cranberries been used in modern history?
- How are cranberries grown and harvested?
- How many cranberries are grown in the USA?
- When are most cranberries consumed?
- How many products contain cranberries?
What is an antioxidant?
A: Anti-oxidants — processes within humans require oxygen and there is a byproduct or oxidants of those processes which cause cell damage. Theses oxidants are also known as "free radicals" which are also caused by stress, the environment, unhealthy foods and habits. The cell damage caused by free radicals weakens the immune system, is linked to several diseases such as cancer and heart disease and speeds up the aging process. Antioxidants reduce the effect of these free radical oxidants by binding with them and decreasing their destructive power and repairing damage.
According to the USDA's latest study, cranberries contain one of the highest levels of ORAC's - oxygen radical absorbance capacity.
| Fruit | ORAC, USDA 2007 |
|---|---|
| Cranberry | 9584 |
| Blueberry | 6552 |
| Blackberry | 5347 |
| Raspberry | 4882 |
| Strawberry | 3577 |
| Plum | 6259 |
| Cherry | 3365 |
| Orange, navel | 1819 |
| Apple | 3082 |
| Kiwifruit | 1210 |
| Mango | 1002 |
| Banana | 879 |
| Pear | 2941 |
| Grapefruit | 1238 |
| Tangerine | 1620 |
| Avocado | 1933 |
| Grape, red | 1260 |
| Pineapple | 562 |
| Peach | 1814 |
| Grape, green | 1118 |
| Apricot | 1115 |
| Nectarine | 750 |
| Honeydew | 241 |
| Watermelon | 142 |
Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) of Selected Foods - 2007
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Diets including fruits and vegetables with high ORAC values may help support memory and coordination and help maintain a healthy heart function and healthy immune system. Cranberries also are naturally low in sodium, are cholesterol free and fat free, contain no preservatives, colors or flavors, and provide 4-9g of fiber per 100g of fruit.
Back to TopHow many cranberries should I eat or drink?
A: While cranberries can be eaten raw, in some people this could cause an upset stomach as they are very tart. To get the health benefits, the USDA recommends eating 2 cups of fruit daily and cranberries provide an excellent source of antioxidants.
Serving Sizes for cranberries are:
- 8-10 oz juice (20% concentrate)
- 1/3 cup fresh
- 1/2 cup sauce
- 1/3 cup dried
What is the best way to freeze cranberries?
A: Plastic bags of cranberries that you buy in the store can be directly placed in the freezer and will last between 9 and 12 months.
Back to TopHow have cranberries been used in modern history?
A: Beyond the Native Indians and Pilgrims, General Ulysses S. Grant served cranberries to the troops during the siege of Petersburg in 1864 and during World War II, American Troops ate about a million pounds of dehydrated cranberries a year.
Back to TopHow are cranberries grown and harvested?
A: Cranberries do not grow in water. They grow on low lying vines in the soil layered with sand, peat, gravel and clay. Cranberry vines produce runners from one to six feet long and eventually form a thick woven area of foliage. Short upright branches form from the buds along the runners and the uprights form flowers and from there the fruit is formed.
Learn more at the UMASS Cranberry Station website.
Back to TopHow many cranberries are grown in the USA?
A: In 2006, there were 6,780,000 100-lb. barrels of cranberries harvested. There are about 440 to 540 cranberries in a pound depending on the size of the berries, and 44,000 to 54,000 cranberries in a 100 lb. barrel. That's 3 to 3.5 billion cranberries harvested a year! In 2006, there were 39,000 acres harvested.
Back to TopWhen are most cranberries consumed?
A: While most people think the majority of cranberries are consumed at Thanksgiving, about 20% are consumed during Thanksgiving week. The rest are consumed throughout the year in juice, as sweetened and dried products and as ingredients. The per capita consumption is a little over 2 pounds a year.
Back to TopHow many products contain cranberries?
A: According to industry processors, there are 1000 to 2000 products with cranberries.
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