subject: What Are Cranberries [print this page] What Are Cranberries What Are Cranberries
Cranberries are small crimson berries that are of the same family as the blueberry, buckberry, bilberry and huckleberry. They are mainly harvested in October and September, but due to their hardiness, they can also be harvested into December. They mainly grow in the Northern Hemispheres of Canada, United States, and Europe.
The Bush
The berries grow on low trailing vines that cover the ground and can grow as long as 2 meters. In the second or third year, the plant produces small upright branches that are only as high as 5 to 7.5 cm, and this is where most of the berries grown on.
The Berries
When the cranberries first begin to grow they are white in color, however, as they begin to ripen, they turn into a beautiful luscious red, and contain a small pit in the center.
There are different varieties such as the early black, which has a deep red color, and Howes, which is also red in color. Stevens is another variety which is also red, but it is a slightly larger berry. And then there is Ben Lear which is also a larger berry, but it has a burgundy color to it.
The Taste
The taste of the cranberry can be quite bitter or sour, especially when they are not fully ripened. But even when fully ripe the tart taste may be too much for most to consume fresh from the vine. However, this is the best way to consume them, as all their nutrients are still intact so that you can obtain more benefits.
If you do not like cranberries by themselves then you can add them in with your smoothies, or freshly squeezed juices to help you avoid the bitterness but still reap the benefits they have to offer.
Health Benefits
There are many health benefits that have been discovered over the centuries which not only will help to improve your physical health, but your mental health as well.
Some of these illnesses or ailments that have been helped by cranberries are urinary tract infections, kidney stones, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, fevers, colds and the flu. Certain skin conditions like eczema, acne, psoriasis and skin wounds have also been helped. To improve your mental health they can help you to relax and sharpen your memory.
Side Effects
You may have to avoid cranberries if you are on warfarin, as they may interfere with each other.
