Why Is The Cranberry So Much In Demand? Are They As Good As Everyone Says?
<b>So, you ask, what is the 'cranberry', and what makes it so wonderful?</b>
The Cranberry bush is a somewhat innocuous evergreen dwarf shrub commonly found growing wild in sharp lowlands in the cooler regions of the northern parts of the USA.
The berry of the cranberry shrub initially appears as a simple white colour, but as it grows older and becomes ripe it changes to a rich burgundy colour.
Although it is part of the same family as the bilberry and the blueberry, the cranberry berry is somewhat added acidic, and this seems to work well with the fruity sweetness, a fact which puts it in that unique group in the culinary universe of fruits that work well with meat based recipes in addition to sweet desserts.
Cranberries in all probability got their name based on the belief that they are frequently eaten by cranes (ie 'crane-berry') - although some people adhere to the theory that the true etymology of the name is based on the fact that in the ealier stages of the flower's development, it has a resemblance to the shape of a crane. Whatever the true etymology, the name 'cranberry' is now well established through the whole world.
Cranberries are a key financial crop in a few northern US States, and enjoy a distinct role in The traditional culture of North America as some experts believe that they were presented to hungry settlers by the aboriginal people. Because of this, cranberry sauce is a significant ingredient in the much-loved thanksgiving meal eaten by the majority of Americans every year since.
The majority of the yearly cranberry crop is processed into cranberry juice and cranberry jelly, however an increasing amount it is now traded in its unprocessed state as a result of medical claims that it is one of the 'superfoods', having very good nutrient content and antioxidant 'reducing agent' attributes.
In early days, these versatile berries were grown in 'cranberry beds' positioned in damp swampland, but recently the beds are located in upland regions with a shallow water table. In these regions, contrary to popular belief, the beds are not kept 'underwater' but are continuously irrigated to keep a high water level in the ground.
Cranberry juice is now highly popular all over the world, and as well as the recognisable 'cherry' juice, is also produced in a clear or 'white' juice which is made from less mature berries.
<b>Cranberries and medicinal properties</b><br> Some experts believe that the juice of the cranberry is blessed with theraputic benefits that aid in preventing bacterial infections in the urinary system.
Also, the cranberry has been used for divevrse range of other conditions and illnesses, such as a remedy for flesh wounds, abnormal bowel movements, diabetes mellitus, stomach pains, and as an aid to a healthful liver. A little research has been done that suggests that continual drinking of cranberry berry juice may help to reduce the probabilty of coronary disease.
Of course, as with all such medical claims, you should exercise extreme scepticism - professional opinion is varied and the most sensible reason for increasing your consumption of these versatile and tasty berries is the observable fact they actually are tasty and nutritious! As discussed already, these versatile berries are used to make both desserts and meat based recipes, with the most widely known use being as an accompaniment to the old fashioned roast turkey. Don't let this 'old fashioned' use put you off though, these tasty berries are also quite superb when used in sweet dishes.
If you are looking for some good-tasting recipes using cranberries you will find many of these tasty recipes on the web, but until you do, here is a delicious cranberry recipe:<br>
<b>A recipe for cranberry crumble</b>
Recipe ingredients<br>
one Thick-skinned orange<br> one cup of water<br> 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (or equivalent sugar substitute)<br> 4 cups These versatile berries<br> 1 x tbsp Butter (far better than margarine)<br> 1 pack Dough for biscuits (to produce 8 biscuits).<br>
Instructions<br>
First grate the orange rind and reserve. Put the rest of the orange through a juicer. Combine juice, grated rind, water, granulated sugar (or equivalent sugar substitute), these versatile berries and butter (far better than margarine) in a medium saucepan. Heat until boiling and heat for 1 min to produce a nice rich cranberry sauce.
Split the cranberry sauce equally into 8 greased oven proof baking dishes or into a casserole. Cover the cranberry sauce with the biscuit mix.
Bake at 450 f (230 c) for 10 min, reduce heat and cook at 180 c (350 f) for 20 mins longer.
makes 8 servings.
98 calories per serving
About the Author
Roger is a recipe contributor at: "recipe-ideas", which offers cooks and chefs a selection of healthy cranberry recipes that are easy to prepare at home.
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