Cranberries: health benefits and contraindications.

According to data based on observations of Chinese scientists, cranberries have a beneficial effect on inflammation in the bladder area and can prevent the formation of gastric ulcers. They found that lovers of drinks or desserts based on the berry are less prone to such illnesses. This is because the fruits of this plant contain some substances that can create negative conditions for the life of the bacteria that cause these disorders.

Description

Cranberry is an evergreen plant and is a shrub composed of thin shoots of small height. The height of the shoots of the shrub reaches an average of 30 cm. The wild plant has bright red, rounded berries that can reach 12 mm in cross-section. Artificially bred varieties have larger fruits, their berries can grow up to 20 mm across.

The plant flowers in June and reaches its ripeness in September. Plantation berries usually ripen 10-15 days earlier than wild berries. They are perfectly preserved and can be harvested all the way to spring.

What is the difference between cranberry and cowberry?

Both cranberries and lingonberries are characteristic representatives of the Vereskova family, both plants have evergreen leaves. However, first of all, cranberries differ from cranberries by the structure of the shrub itself. Cranberries prefer to creep upwards in the ground, while cranberries prefer to grow with their branches up to 25 cm in height. In some cases you can find cranberries growing from a rotting stump. In this situation branches of the plant may grow up to 1 m long. It should also be noted that cranberries prefer dry soil, while cranberries grow in damp areas.

Flowering and ripening times also have some differences. Cranberries start flowering in the second half of May and finish by mid-June. Lingonberry begins blooming in early May and continues to bloom until the end of June. In terms of ripening time lingonberries are a month ahead of their relative, their fruits are ripe by the middle of August, while cranberries start ripening only in September.

Fruits of both plants differ in color, shape, size and taste. The cranberries are noticeably larger, roundish, soft (they release juice when pressed), bright red in color and have a characteristic sour taste with noticeable bitterness. Lingonberries have smaller fruits and flattened shape, their berries get darker coloring, sour-sweet taste and dense flesh from which it is more difficult to squeeze juice.

The size of the leaves of these plants also have visible differences, with the cranberry leaf reaching a larger size. While the cranberry leaf grows up to 1.5 cm long and 0.5 cm wide, the rutabaga leaf grows up to 3 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. However, the shape of the leaves are almost identical, which once again shows their kinship.

Which is more useful

To come to a conclusion, which of the berries is more effective for healing the human body, it is necessary to make a comparative analysis between the chemical composition of both fruits. So you can trace, in which of the berries there is a higher concentration of useful elements, which is an indicator of the quality content.

The composition of cranberries contains:

• groups of vitamins - B, C and K;
• acid nicotinic and folic acid;
• iron;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• boron;
• iodine;
• phosphorus;
• magnesium;
• silver;
• manganese.

Unlike cranberries, cranberries cannot boast such a wealth of micronutrients; they contain:

• groups of vitamins A, B, C and E;
• acids: nicotinic, ursolic, tartaric, salicylic, benzoic.

In addition to the main elements, lingonberry contains a list of useful trace elements important for the human body - mineral salts, as well as tannins and pectin.

In the end, it turns out that both berries have quite different content, so it is very difficult to judge which one of them has more usefulness. One thing is certain: both plants are actively used for medicinal purposes. In addition, the berries are excellent for dietary use, because the acids they contain are actively involved in burning fat deposits.

Composition and calories

Cranberries can be eaten not only in fresh form, it retains its useful properties in both dried and frozen form. To assess the nutritional value of this product, it is worth to understand how many different components there are in 100 g of fruit:

• proteins - 0.5 g;
• fats - 0.2 g;
• carbohydrates - 3.7 g;
• ash - 0.3 g;
• water - 89 gr.

Cranberries can be considered a low-calorie product, because 100 g of berries contains no more than 26 kilocalories. However, in the dried form the energy value of the product increases significantly, in 100 grams of such a product contains 308 kilocalories. For this reason, we should know that the excessive consumption of dried cranberries can lead to obesity.

The content of cranberries is characterized by a full set of useful substances, which are found in other berries. It is rich not only in sugars with organic acids, but also in vitamins and pectins. In addition, it contains acids such as:

• citric acid;
• ursolic;
• benzoic acid;
• quinic acid;
• malic;
• amber;
• chlorogenic;
• oleander;
• oxalic.

Also, compared to other berries, it has a high concentration of pectin. By including cranberry berries in the daily diet, everyone can expect an increase in appetite and improvements in the digestive process.

Useful properties of cranberries

General benefits

Cranberries help improve the secretion of gastric juice and stabilize the pancreas. These properties allow treating gastritis provoked by low acidity of gastric juice produced, or inflammation formed in the pancreas. In addition, cranberry fruits act as a diuretic, as well as a bactericidal agent and have a positive effect on patients with pyelonephritis.

Cranberries have the ability to have a protective effect on the urogenital system if it is threatened by infections. The berry contains elements of proanthocyanidin, which can prevent the spread of bacteria in the urogenital system at the cellular level.

Plus, its content is full of antioxidants, which allows it to have anti-inflammatory effects and even localize cancerous tumors. Many scientists insist that this natural compound should be included in preventive remedies to prevent cancer precursors. It has been found experimentally that the juice from cranberry berries is able to interact with the enzymes present in the human body, which contribute to the appearance of cancer cells. Thus, not only is the likelihood of their proliferation noticeably reduced, but also the formation in general.

For women

Every woman wants to have a slender figure, while not excluding her favorite foods from the diet. In solving this issue can perfectly contribute cranberries, as it has not only dietary properties, but also increases the metabolic rate.

For complete weight loss it is enough to include only 100 grams of fresh berries in your daily diet. It is not necessary to eat them whole, but you can use them as an additive to desserts and other suitable dishes. It is worth considering that it is difficult for people with low acidity to adhere to a number of diets. However, with the daily consumption of cranberries, the risk of getting an upset is reduced several times.

Among the useful qualities of the presented berry can be noted antipyretic, as well as diuretic abilities. These qualities will have a beneficial effect in the manifestation of symptoms associated with PMS. And if we consider that the fruit significantly increases the appetite, then we can confidently say - you won't have to refuse to eat even with significant abdominal pain. The complex composition of the natural remedy helps to enrich the blood, replenish the vitamin reserve in the body. This is a convincing argument for the consumption of berries during the cycle.

In the case when there are problems with the skin, acne, it is also recommended to think about the cranberry diet. The content of a number of minerals allows the cellular content of the skin to be enriched and has a therapeutic effect by accelerating the blood flow from the inside to the outer layers of the dermis. In addition, the rich vitamin C content is a means of maintaining skin elasticity and significantly slows down the aging process of the skin. For a high effect, it is advisable not to use the internal use of berries, but masks with their pulp.

For men

In the case of penetration of infections into the urinary tract or inflammation of the genitourinary system, the cranberries, endowed with rich natural abilities, will serve as the best preventive measure. It is recommended to include in the daily diet 100 grams of fresh berries, this remedy can be used on its own initiative without a doctor's prescription. You can also use dried fruit, whether it is an individual preparation or an ingredient in sweets.

In addition, cranberries are recommended to use in case of cancer, provided that there are no individual contraindications. In this case, it is better to get a doctor's advice. Having powerful protective properties, the berry helps to regenerate soft tissues and can help get rid of bleeding gums, which occurs from a lack of essential micronutrients.

The concentrated content of antioxidants can boost the immune system, as well as increasing the resistance of cell membranes and speeding up blood flow, which is reduced by taking antibiotics. In addition, the quality presented is able to systematize the activity of the pancreas. The presence of phenol in the fruit contributes to the overall tone of the male body, and the presence of citric acid protects against the re-development of harmful microorganisms and microflora of pathogenic content.

Cranberries will be a very valuable additional component in the diet of sickly men, systematically suffering from seasonal colds. This is due to the fact that the cranberry actively helps to improve the immune system, takes part in the removal of all kinds of toxins and breakdown products from the body. Plus, cranberry fruits have antibacterial properties and help to relieve fever.

When pregnant

Cranberries have not only a high concentration of vitamins, but also contain a large list of minerals that are badly needed by the female body during fetal development. Plus, the ability of berries to increase immunity comes in handy. Another necessary quality for pregnant women is the diuretic property of the fruit, which helps to avoid excessive swelling, often manifested during the late stage of fetal growth.

When breastfeeding

Cranberries are among the products that are in the risk group for nursing mothers, because it can cause allergic processes in infants, as well as serve as a cause of digestive disorders. For this reason, include such a product in the diet allowed only in a strict accounting standards with systematic monitoring of how the child's body reacts. In this case, you should abandon the raw berries or jam, and confine yourself to cranberry juice.

Although, on the other hand, if contraindications were not found, then cranberry drink can be very helpful. After all, a high concentration of vitamin C has not only general restorative properties, but also tones the body, suppressing fatigue and increasing resistance to viral infections. In addition, the useful composition of the fruit helps increase lactation in nursing mothers, which is always important.

For children

Cranberries have the ability to increase the protective functions of the child's body, which is of great importance in the prevention of colds. The high concentration of useful microelements saturates the child's body with the necessary materials for general strengthening and fast recovery.

In addition, it is very useful for a child to take cranberry morsel in conditions of fever, as the berry composition contains diaphoretic, which can reduce intoxication of the body. For diseases such as sore throat or bronchitis, cranberry juice combined with honey will be of great benefit. This mixture will have not only antiseptic, but also expectorant properties.

When losing weight

Cranberries have many components that have a beneficial effect on weight loss. They contain a large amount of fiber, which has the ability to remove from the digestive system negative deposits in the form of toxins.

The tannins present in the fruit stimulate the metabolism, creating favorable conditions for burning fat deposits. For people resorting to a diet for weight loss, it is useful to eat 100 grams of fresh berries in the morning, and the freshly squeezed juice can have a similar effect. At lunchtime or for dinner a combination of cranberries and sauerkraut is useful.

The benefits of frozen cranberries

Frozen cranberries practically do not lose their useful qualities and are valuable to the body almost as much as fresh ones. One of the most valuable elements contained in the fruit of this plant is tannin. It is a natural antibiotic capable of having a destructive effect on pathogenic bacteria or other harmful microorganisms by disrupting their cellular structure.

Studies conducted repeatedly in various clinics confirm that tannin has the ability to increase the effect of antibacterial agents created artificially. By the way, cranberry owes its bitter taste to it.

We should also note that the rind of the berry contains a lot of astringent components, which have tonic properties. These elements contain a high concentration of antioxidants, which can replenish the energy needs of the body. Also in the shell contains prebiotics that stabilize the intestinal microflora and improve the digestive process.

What are the benefits of dried cranberries

Dried cranberries are also almost as good as fresh ones. It owes this to the benzoic acid contained in its composition, which contributes to the preservation of useful elements. Due to this property, dried berries are widely used not only for medicinal purposes, but also in cosmetology.

The richness of vitamins contained in the dried berries allows using them not only for prevention, but also for the treatment of scurvy as the main medicine. However, it is worth noting that dried cranberries have a high energy value and are not suitable for use in diets.

Cranberry juice: benefits and harms

The useful qualities of cranberry morsel are manifested due to the high concentration in its composition of various useful minerals. For example, cobalt provides a stable course of enzymatic reactions occurring in the digestive system of each person. In addition, it can stabilize the reactions of the nervous system.

And such an element as manganese is responsible for the normal growth of the child's body and is responsible for the functional stability of the sex glands in adults. Also of great benefit are copper and molybdenum, which are also contained in the cranberry juice. Provide the body with useful elements can be provided, provided that the daily intake of cranberry juice will be from 2 to 3 glasses.

The benefits of cranberries in sugar

Cranberries in sugar is a complete source containing ascorbic acid, whose presence is of great importance when the autumn colds come, and with them colds and viral infections. In addition, the sweet dish keeps in its composition one of the rarest vitamins - PP, this element serves as a conduit for the effective absorption of vitamin C by the body. Also, sugar berries contain natural antibiotics called phytoncides and serve as excellent prophylactic agents for people suffering from stomach upsets.

Is cranberry compote useful

If the cranberry compote is prepared according to all the rules, then it will be a source not only of a large number of minerals, but also retains a fair amount of vitamins. Such a drink will be very useful as a tonic, as well as retain the ability to activate the immune system. Its merits will be fully appreciated with the onset of the winter period, when there is a threat of colds and viral infections. Among other things, it has excellent taste, allowing you to combine the useful with the pleasant.

The benefits of cranberry leaves

It is known that cranberry leaves are hardly inferior in their healing properties to ripe berries. They have long been used in folk medicine, making healing tinctures or decoctions, used as lotions to relieve swelling or for antiseptic purposes. Prepared potions will have a healing effect in the treatment of rheumatism. In cases of inflammation of the throat or mouth, the prepared remedy is used to rinse.

Tea brewed from cranberry leaves has many useful properties. It can be used equally well for migraines or heartburn, and to reduce shortness of breath.

Cranberries in Medicine

Because of the concentrated content in the cranberry a variety of biologically active substances, it has long been used in medicine. If the ancient healers gathered information only by observation, using the method of trial and error, the modern experts have the ability to produce laboratory research, establishing facts beyond doubt.

However, as a result of research it was possible to confirm many useful qualities attributed to the berry earlier, thanks to which it is still widely used in medicine today. On the one hand, it is used as a reliable prophylactic against various diseases. On the other hand, it serves as a rich source of various useful elements in the manufacture of complex medicines.

For diabetes mellitus

Comparatively recently, experts in medical research have found that cranberry fruits can reduce the glucose content contained in the blood of type 2 diabetics. At the same time, type 1 diabetics can consume cranberries without the risk of elevated blood sugar.

During the experiment, voluntary patients consumed one glass of cranberry juice per day. The results were quite comforting, and it turned out that cranberry juice has an effective ability to stimulate the pancreas, as well as reducing harmful cholesterol levels.

Today, diabetic patients are recommended to consume a glass of cranberry juice during a day in limited portions. It can be mixed with other drinks and dishes. The most attractive flavors have a mix of kefir with cranberry berries in a ratio of 3 to 1.

Important: The glycemic index of cranberries is 45 units.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a very complex disorder, which obliges the patient to follow a strict diet to avoid exacerbations. In this situation, the red list also opened for cranberries because of the high content of various acids and essential oil. These components irritate the walls of the stomach, stimulating the secretion of gastric and pancreatic juice, which in turn aggravates inflammatory processes in the pancreas. Curiously, not only the fresh berry has similar qualities, but also all its derivatives. This information leads to unambiguous conclusions that the acute phase of the disease involves the exclusion of cranberries from the diet.

Gastritis

The main cause of gastritis is a decrease in the acidity of gastric juice. In this situation, cranberries can be an excellent ally that can not only increase the acidity in the stomach, but also suppress the spread of Helicobacter - the bacterium that excites this disease. The reason for suppressing the activity of pathogens is the antiseptic properties inherent in cranberries. However, it is worth noting that only the natural juice of the plant has medicinal properties. Store-bought equivalents do not have this ability.

For constipation.

Cranberry berries contain a large amount of fiber, which effectively copes with various intestinal disorders. With constipation, its use will help to achieve a complete cure. And for people suffering from this ailment, it is systematically recommended to consume dried berries by 1 tbsp. per day. This remedy is guaranteed to help get rid of stool problems.

For gout

Due to the richness of its composition, cranberries can have a restorative effect on the body weakened by the disease and mediate the release of excess uric acid accumulation. Plus it has an active resistance to infections spreading in the kidneys as well as the bladder, which increases their performance. Such an effect can have a positive effect on the disease of gout.

However, you should keep in mind that fresh berries also contain a high concentration of various acids that cause painful symptoms of the disease. For this reason, experts recommend using not fresh berries, but cranberry morsel, in which the content of acids is reduced.

For the liver.

Cranberry juice is able to have a beneficial effect on the liver in its treatment or recovery. This is due to the fact that the content of cranberry berries has an excellent diuretic effect, capable of preserving potassium in the body. Thus, cranberry juice is able to carry out a safe liver cleanse in the presence of bad cholesterol, being one of the easiest and safest remedies.

To achieve the maximum result of the preventive measure on the basis of cranberries prepare a special remedy, adding a few more components. To create a preventive preparation, cranberries, lemon and garlic are used, which for this purpose are ground in a meat grinder and then mixed with honey. The resulting potion is taken in the morning and evening for 2 tsp. for a month. In addition, such a procedure improves the general well-being, adjusts the vision, as well as hearing.

For colds

In addition to its other advantages, cranberries have antiphlogistic capabilities, which has been proven scientifically. Because of this quality, the berry, as well as its derivatives, is able to effectively counteract the various symptoms inherent in colds. It is an excellent healing and preventive remedy in the autumn-winter period, when the flu virus spreads everywhere and the probability of acquiring colds is high.

For long-term preservation, it is enough to grate berries with sugar or freeze them in the freezer. Later, such preparations will be an excellent basis for making healing drinks, indispensable for colds.

For hypertension

In recent 2012, American researchers have been tested on the impact of cranberries on blood pressure. For this purpose, voluntary participants in the experiment took a daily portion of fresh cranberry juice for eight weeks. And scientists monitored and recorded changes in the participants' blood pressure readings. At the end of the experiment, the research team came to the unequivocal conclusion that the absolute majority of the studied patients' blood pressure readings decreased to the nominal limit. This result served as the basis for the assertion - cranberry helps to stabilize pressure in patients with hypertension.

In cystitis.

Cranberries are claimed to be active in the treatment of cystitis. In an experimental clinical study, a voluntary group of patients took cranberry juice in addition to the main therapeutic drugs to treat complex inflammation in the bladder area. According to the results of the experiment, it was found that the subjects got rid of painful symptoms much faster than other patients. It took only a few days for the painful sensations to completely disappear.

For swelling

Edema affects expectant mothers most of all during the last phase of pregnancy. To prevent or get rid of this abnormality, it is most effective to drink cranberry morsel. This drink, which has a loyal (leaving in the body potassium) diuretic effect, is able not only to eliminate the swelling of the limbs, but also to charge the body with useful elements, which are very necessary for both the future mother and the fetus.

Cranberry-based folk medicine recipes

Folk medicine recommends using cranberry juice for dry coughs, as well as angina or rheumatism. And in the treatment of colds, when it is necessary not only to bring down the fever, but also to quench thirst, use cranberry juice (juice, diluted with water). The same remedy is able to actively counteract inflammatory processes in the bladder. In order for the treatment to be not only effective, but also pleasant, it is recommended to consider several recipes.

For hypertension or atherosclerosis.

For this recipe, you need cranberry berries (10 pieces) along with leaves (1 tbsp) and one glass of water. To prepare the potion, you need to brew the prepared components with a glass of steep boiling water in a thermos. Infuse the drink for 4 hours until it is completely ready, after which it can be taken for 0.5 cup 2 times a day.

With shortness of breath

For this recipe, you need to prepare 1 tbsp of cranberry leaves and a glass of water. To prepare the remedy, you need to brew the prepared leaves with a glass of boiling water and infuse for 30 minutes. After that, the drink is consumed in any quantity.

ointment for the skin

For the recipe, use 2 tablespoons of cranberry berries and 50 g of lanolin. To prepare, you need to mash the berries, straining the juice through gauze, and dilute it with lanolin. For storage, the composition should be placed in the refrigerator. This is an effective anti-inflammatory, as well as an antiseptic.

For colds, dry cough, as well as bronchitis

For the recipe, you should prepare a glass each of freshly squeezed cranberry juice and honey. To get an effective remedy, it is enough to mix everything well and consume 1 tablespoon three times a day.

Cranberry in cosmetology

In cosmetology, the plant is used mainly as a folk remedy for facial care. The cranberry composition helps to saturate the skin with all sorts of micronutrients for both improving the complexion and tightening the surface of the face. The rich content of the composition helps to increase the elasticity of the skin, gives it softness, as well as a healthy look.

For the face

To get an idea of the composition of folk cosmetics is offered for consideration a universal mask for the face.

To get the necessary composition, you need to prepare 1 tsp. cranberry juice, 2 tsp. sour cream and chicken yolk. All the prepared ingredients should be thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous mass, after which the improvised cream is considered ready.

Before the procedure, the skin should be cleaned very well and only after that, the mask should be put on it for 20 minutes. Then remove the mask and apply moisturizing cream to your face. To achieve maximum effect, it is recommended to steam the skin with a green tea compress after removing the mask. To achieve noticeable improvements, such a procedure should be performed 2-3 times a week for a period of 2 months. As a result, the skin on the face will gain firmness and elasticity, as well as the most fresh look.

For hair

The use of cranberries for cosmetic purposes allows you to give your hair an attractive and healthy look. For this purpose, freshly squeezed cranberry juice is used, which serves as the main element in the created mask. As a filler, additionally, the pulp left after the juice is obtained is used. It is very important that only fully ripe berries were selected for the mask, as unripe fruits do not have enough useful elements. To get an effective composition, we propose a recipe for a mask that serves to increase the shine and volume of hair.

It is necessary to prepare 3 tbsp. cranberries, from which to squeeze the juice, a little parsley and 1 tbsp. olive oil. Combine cranberry juice with squeeze, olive oil and finely chopped parsley and mix well, after which the composition is considered ready. Next, the resulting mask should be thoroughly rubbed into the roots of the hair, as well as in the rest of the hair. After that, cover the hair with a plastic bag for half an hour. After the time has passed, wash the mask off with shampoo. If there is a need to strengthen the hair, you can add 1 tbsp. of honey to this composition. The proposed mask works equally for all hair types.

Harms and contraindications

There are no harmful or poisonous substances in the cranberry fruit, so the berry has no individual harmful qualities. However, in some cases, its use is avoided because of incompatibility with the used drugs. For example, cranberries are not used when using drugs that can reduce blood clotting. In this case, the berry may interact with drugs, increasing their effect, leading to excessive bleeding. It is also not recommended to use cranberries together with substances that have a high content of oxalic acid. Otherwise, there will be an increased excretion of derivative salts in the urine, which will cause a wave of formation of kidney stones, especially in people prone to urolithiasis.

Cranberries are not recommended to use in some forms of gastritis, which are accompanied by high secretory activity. Also, you should not use berries in exacerbations of ulcers, the area of the lesion of which has reached the 12 duodenum. In addition, you should not use cranberry fruits to people who have been found to be hypersensitive to this product.

How to Pick and Store Cranberries

There are three pores for picking cranberries. The first and most rushed occurs in early September, at which time the fruit has not yet had time to fully ripen, so they are put aside in a warm place for full ripening. The second time is spring, when cranberries are considered the most attractive in the gastronomic sense, although they have already lost the ability to long storage. For this reason, these cranberries are processed immediately after picking. At all other times, cranberries are suitable for long-term storage.

Can they be frozen

Cranberries do not fear freezing, after this procedure the vitamin content of cranberries is not practically lost. They can be kept this way in their natural environment till the spring thaw. For this reason, freezing is considered one of the most effective ways of storage.

How to Dry

For drying, it is necessary to collect ripe berries, in which the internal composition of useful elements has fully formed. The procedure itself looks quite simple. To dry cranberries choose a dry room, it can be an attic or a barn. On racks or just on the floor, spread a cloth and pour the harvest on it, and then dry until completely dry. At the same time, from time to time the berries should be shaken to speed up the process, then collect the dried fruits in linen bags.

What you can make from cranberries: recipes

Since old times, cranberries have been a popular berry, so there is a huge mass of recipes for its preparation. From it made all kinds of drinks, such as juices, morsels or kvass, as well as jams, kissels and made jellies. Cranberry tincture was particularly popular. The harvested cranberries were used in winter in salads or as toppings in pies. To get a complete idea of the different ways to prepare the popular berry, it is worth considering a series of recipes.

Morses

To prepare a quality morsel, it is necessary to take water and cranberry juice in equal proportions. To begin with, bring the water to a boil, take it off the fire and, after a short pause, dilute it with cranberry juice. This solution allows you to prepare not only a delicious drink, but also enriched with a lot of vitamins and trace elements. To enhance the therapeutic and gastronomic qualities, a little honey is added to the morsel. However, you should remember that honey should not be added to too hot drink, its useful qualities are lost when the temperature reaches 40 degrees.

Compote

To prepare the cranberry compote you need to prepare 200 g of berries, 100 g of sugar and 1 liter of water. Then bring the water to a boil and dissolve the sugar in it. Cranberries are crushed in a separate bowl and added to the boiling water at low heat. Bring the compote to a boil and let it boil for 2 minutes. Then take the drink off the fire, let it cool and strain it.

Kissel

Kissel cooking is easy enough, for this you need to add 1 tbsp. starch, dissolved in a small amount of cold water in the boiling compote. Stir well and remove from the fire, stir until thickened.

Jam

Cranberry jam is also quite easy to prepare, for this you need to prepare 1 kg of berries and 1.2 kg of sugar. At first, the cranberries are poured with cool water and allowed to stand for half an hour. Then the water is released, and a pan with fruit is put on a low fire and simmer for 10 minutes. During this time, the skin on the berries should burst and release juice. To avoid sticking to the bottom of the pan berries are periodically stirred. After this, add sugar, knead well and simmer for 10 minutes, the fire should be medium.

The sauce

Cranberry sauce has a sour-sweet taste and goes well with meat dishes. For its preparation you need to prepare 100 g of berries, 50 g of sugar, 50 ml of cold water and 1 tsp of starch. The rest is simple, berries are combined with sugar and brought to a boil over medium heat. Starch is diluted in the prepared water and wait for boiling. When the pot boils, add the starch and boil it, stirring until it thickens.

Jelly .

For the jelly you need to prepare 250 g of cranberries, 100 g of sugar, 1 tbsp. gelatin and 2 cups of water. The first thing to do is to boil a glass of water and dilute the gelatin well in it. Next, in a saucepan grind berries and squeeze through gauze juice. Pour a glass of hot water, bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes.

After that, the pan is removed from the heat and the resulting compote squeeze with gauze. Then put the hot broth on the fire and dissolve sugar in it. Then diluted gelatin is added, stirred until homogeneous, and removed from the fire. Only then add cranberry juice, stir well and pour the jelly into the forms.

Mousse

To prepare this dessert, you need to have 200 g of berries, 200 g of sugar and 60 g of semolina. The first thing to do is to squeeze the cranberry juice and remove it as unnecessary. Next, the squeeze is poured with water (450 ml) and after boiling, boil for 10 minutes. Next, the pomace is strained, and in the broth on the fire dissolve sugar. In the boiling water gently add semolina and boil for 10 minutes. Then the composition is cooled, well whipped, spread in a dish and sent to the refrigerator for 4 hours.

Pastila

To prepare this recipe, you need to prepare 1 kg of cranberries, 800 g of sugar and 200 g of water. Cranberries are poured with cool water and boiled over low heat until soft berries are obtained. Then they are rubbed through a sieve, poured sugar and put on low heat. Boil until the composition thickens. At the end of the resulting mashed potato is placed on a baking tray covered with parchment paper, and dried in the oven. Ready marshmallow rolled up, wrap in paper and store in the refrigerator.

Wine

For the preparation of wine you need to have 1 kg of cranberries, 3 kg of sugar and 7 liters of pure water. At first you need to make a starter, for this cranberry rubbed with 0.5 kg of sugar, well kneaded, put in a suitable container, pour water and cover with gauze. Preparations insist in a darkened warm place for 5 days. After a specified time the mash floats. The mash is carefully filtered and poured into a container for fermentation. Then add the remaining sugar, stir it, install a water trap and leave in a warm place for fermentation for 4 days.

At the end of the term, drain 2 liters of wort, dissolve 1.5 kg of sugar in it, pour it back and put a water trap. After 3 days the procedure is repeated. Cranberry wine ferments for an average of 6-7 weeks. When it finishes, it is drained with a hose into bottles, being careful not to disturb the sediment. The wine is then infused for 3 months and consumed.

Cranberries in sugar

To cook cranberries in sugar, it is recommended to choose the largest fruits. The recipe requires 1 kg of cranberries, one lemon, one egg and three cups of powdered sugar. In a ceramic or enamel bowl release the egg white and mix it with 1 tbsp of lemon juice. Then add 3 tbsp. powdered sugar and beat with a whisk, gradually adding the powdered sugar. Continue until the mixture becomes viscous. Then add cranberries to the ready glaze and mix gently with your hands. The glazed cranberries are piled in portions in the remaining powder and placed on parchment laid out in a baking tray. Then they are dried in an oven heated to 50 degrees for 50 minutes.

How much can we eat cranberries a day.

Although there are no medical restrictions on the consumption of cranberries, you should know that the excessive consumption of this berry leads to increased acidity in the stomach, which may cause some discomfort. Also, rationed consumption should be used for people who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders, so as not to cause relapses.

In addition, you should remember that dried fruits have a high energy value, and their excessive consumption can lead to obesity. It is recommended to eat 100-200 grams of fresh cranberries a day to maintain the body in tone.

Can I eat them at night or on an empty stomach?

Very often cranberries or their derivatives are recommended to be consumed on an empty stomach before a direct meal. They can stimulate the stomach and increase the appetite. If it is a matter of taking at night, it is recommended to use berries in various combinations. The most attractive will be cranberries, in composition with sauerkraut.

Can I give cranberries to animals

Animals will react differently to cranberry fruit, because cats or dogs, in all likelihood, simply will not eat it. It is true that some dogs are very fond of sweets and will certainly not refuse cranberries in sugar. In this case you should know that with a big portion of berries the dog's stomach can not cope, it is designed to process other food.

Another thing - rodents or birds, which will gladly accept such a treat. Provided that it is not the main food, but only an addition to the daily diet, there are no special restrictions on cranberries. However, it should be remembered that if the fruit of the cranberry for any reason fermented, then the animals are contraindicated.

Interesting facts about cranberries

The first settlers on the European continent began to call cranberry "Cranberries", which literally means cranberries. This name appeared because of the distinctive shape of the cranberry flowers, which are roughly reminiscent of a crane's neck. Another name the cranberry got in the XVII century in the expanses of New England, where it became known as "Bearberries", which means bear berry. This name it received because of the frequent eating the berry by bears.

On the territory of our country, it is often referred to as "northern berry. The reason was the predominant growth of the plant in the northern regions. For medicinal purposes, both fresh cranberries and those harvested with the onset of frost are used. Cranberries get their most attractive taste during spring thaws. At this time it is rich in citric acid content, but completely loses the concentration of vitamins.

Cranberry photo