Market Fresh: Cranberries

The Flavour
Cranberries may be small but they pack a powerful punch! Their raw, tart flavour however, is usually made more palatable by cooking or sweetening.

Cranberries Go Well With...
Apples; orange; dried fruit; cinnamon; brown sugar; nuts; corn; maple syrup; orange; pork; poultry; sugar; tangerine; walnuts.

Buying & Storing Tips
Cranberries are at peak season in November, so they’re best to buy in late fall. Choose dry, plump, brightly coloured cranberries that, when dropped, have a bit of bounce. Because their waxy skin contains a natural preservative, cranberries are long-lasting. However, they will spoil rapidly when left at room temperature. Store cranberries in the refrigerator for up to a month; in the freezer for 4-6 months.

Preparing & Using Cranberries
Make sure to wash cranberries just before use. Stalks should be removed, and those cranberries that are soft, wrinkled or mouldy should be discarded. Unmodified, cranberries are often added to baked goods such as muffins, cakes and breads. Briefly cooked, they are ideal for pies, crepes, mousses and sorbets. Cranberries can also be converted into jam, jelly, chutney and cranberry sauce – which makes a great pairing with poultry. To cook, cranberries should be just covered with water, and the pot should be left uncovered, or the steam will make them swell and explode (similar to popcorn). Cook only until the cranberries pop, or they will become bitter tasting. Tip: The more sugar added when cooking, the tougher cranberry skin becomes.

Nutritional Info
Cranberries have natural antibacterial properties, so they are best known as an aid for prevention and treatment of cystitis. The small fruit is also a great immunity booster, containing lots of fibre and vitamin C. Cranberries are also rich in flavonoids, which are thought to help fight heart disease and cancer.

Next week in Market to Table: Squash

Market to Table is a weekly column reporting on all things fresh in stores and farmers' markets now. Check in with us every Monday to find out what local produce you should be grocery shopping for each week, or read the complete Market to Table collection now!