Cranberries: Tart, Vibrant, and Uniquely American
The Cranberry is one of the few fruits native to North America and has been enjoyed for centuries. Native Americans were consuming Cranberries as early as 1550, eating them fresh or mashing them into breads with cornmeal. Due to their hard and bitter nature, more than 95% of Cranberries are processed into a variety of versatile products used in food, beverages, and beyond.
Did You Know?
- Floating Berries: Cranberries float because they contain small air pockets, keeping them buoyant during water harvesting.
- Cape Cod’s Claim to Fame: Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is a renowned Cranberry farming region, and the Cape Cod cocktail (vodka and Cranberry juice) pays homage to this heritage.
Flavor Profile
- Taste: Distinctively tart and tangy, with a slightly bitter edge.
- Texture: Firm and crisp when fresh; smooth and vibrant in purees or juices.
- Pairs Well With: Apples, oranges, cinnamon, vanilla, and nuts like walnuts or pecans.
Common Applications
Cranberries’ tart flavor and vibrant color make them a versatile ingredient in a variety of industries:
- Beverages: A key ingredient in juices, cocktails, and flavored waters.
- Desserts and Baking: Perfect for pies, muffins, tarts, and crumbles.
- Culinary: Adds tang to sauces, chutneys, and glazes for meats like turkey or pork.
- Processed Foods: Used in jams, dried fruit mixes, and snack bars.
Countries of Origin
Cranberries are generally grown in the following regions:
- United States (Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey)
- Canada (Quebec, British Columbia)
- Chile
Encore Cranberry Products
We proudly offer Cranberries in the following formats to meet your needs:
- IQF Fruits: Individually quick frozen for freshness and convenience.
- Juice Concentrates: Ideal for beverages, syrups, and culinary applications.
- NFC Juices (Not From Concentrate): Retains the pure, natural flavor of Cranberries.
- Purees: Smooth and versatile for desserts, sauces, and more.
- Puree Concentrates: A concentrated option for bold flavor impact.
Bold, tart, and unmistakably vibrant, Cranberries are a quintessential ingredient in both traditional and innovative recipes. Contact us to learn more about our Cranberry offerings!
