Cranberries - The Health Benefits of a Super Thanksgiving Food

The Thanksgiving Holiday meal has a secret power food—cranberries! This native grown fruit is loaded with photochemicals which health professionals believe can lessen the risks of a chronic disease. The phytonutrients, mainly antioxidants derived from plant compounds, are shown to be beneficial to human health. Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants which have been shown in medical studies to benefit humans.

Cranberries have long been known as a folk remedy for bladder infections. The medical community now recognizes that the phytochemical properties in cranberries cause them to adhere to bacteria which are known to cause urinary tract infections.

Recent research has shown that cranberries not only are advantageous in protecting against bladder infections but also can help to stave off cancer, cavities, and heart disease according to the Cranberry Institute.

Making these healthful berries an essential component of your healthy diet is easy and tasty.

Here are a few tips regarding this healthy fruit: 

Look for bright, plump cranberries; avoid soft or withered berries.
Peak season is September through December.
Fresh cranberries will keep in the refrigerator for 4-8 weeks.
You can freeze fresh cranberries for a year.
You can substitute frozen cranberries in most recipes calling for fresh.
Do not wash cranberries until ready for use, as moisture will cause quicker spoilage.
When a recipe says "cook until the cranberries pop," this means the berry's outer skin will expand until it bursts. 

Cranberry Recipes:

Fruit and Turkey Salad with Cranberry Dressing 

Ingredients: 

2 cups cooked turkey, cubed
1 small head lettuce, torn into small pieces
1 large red apple, cored and cut into small pieces
1 orange peeled and segmented (or small can of mandarin oranges)
¼ cup dried cranberries
3 T walnuts, coarsely chopped
3 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced 

Dressing:
1 cup jellied cranberry sauce
1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed 

Directions: