Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarpon Fruit, Berry

Cranberry Fruit, Berry

At a Glance

  • Category Fruit, Berry

The Forktionary Angle

"The Ruby Jewel of the Wetlands"

Definition

A tart, red berry native to North America, widely used in sauces, juices, and baked goods, prized for its unique flavor and health benefits.

Global Production ~400,000 metric tons/year
Shelf Life (Fresh) 2-4 weeks refrigerated
Vitamin C Content ~14mg per 100g

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Cranberry are:

Tart Astringent Slightly Bitter

Chef’s Secret

To reduce the tartness in sauces without excessive sugar, add a pinch of baking soda (very small amount, less than 1/8 tsp per cup of berries) during cooking. It slightly neutralizes the acid.

Best Substitutes

Redcurrant

for tartness
Ratio 1:1

Lingonberry

for flavor profile
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for firm, bright red berries. Avoid soft or shriveled ones. Freshness is key for tartness.

Recipes Using Cranberry

Berries Occasion Low Protein Holiday Event

Apple Cranberry Crisps Chatelaine

Indulge in the irresistible Apple Cranberry Crisps Chatelaine! This cozy, individual-sized dessert, originally discovered in Chatelaine magazine, is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you crave warm, comforting flavors. Featuring a delightful blend of tart cranberries and firm Granny Smith apples (or your favorite!), topped with a buttery, crumbly crisp, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The recipe easily adapts to a larger casserole dish for a crowd-pleasing dessert. Don't forget the whipped cream!

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Main Ingredient Preparation Vegetables 15 Minutes Or Less

Amish Broccoli Salad

Craveable Amish Broccoli Salad recipe! This creamy, dreamy salad is bursting with fresh broccoli and cauliflower, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. A simple yet irresistible side dish perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a weeknight dinner.

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No Cook Salads Sandwiches 15 Minutes Or Less

Apple And Cheddar Tuna Salad

Light, refreshing, and surprisingly delicious! This Apple & Cheddar Tuna Salad recipe (inspired by a Hellmann's mayo coupon!) is a quick and easy lunch or light dinner. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet apple, sharp cheddar, and succulent tuna in warm pita bread. This recipe is easily adaptable – try it with chicken or serve it over a bed of crisp lettuce for a refreshing salad. No draining required if using tuna pouches!

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Time To Make Dietary Low Saturated Fat Healthy

Apple Cinnamon Pork Tenderloin

This show-stopping Apple Cinnamon Pork Tenderloin with Cranberries is surprisingly simple to make, yet delivers incredible flavor! A perfect Christmas alternative to a traditional turkey dinner, this recipe boasts a beautiful color thanks to the addition of dried cranberries. Enjoy a juicy, tender pork tenderloin bathed in a sweet and tart apple cider glaze. Easily customizable to your taste, this recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite!

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4 Hours Or Less Number Of Servings Fall Preparation

Autumn Bread

Capture the essence of fall with this delicious Autumn Bread, inspired by the beloved Gooseberry Patch recipes. This moist and flavorful loaf bread is bursting with cranberries and warm autumn spices, making it the perfect treat for Thanksgiving, cozy fall evenings, or any time you crave a taste of the season. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying!

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Cuisine 30 Minutes Or Less Salad Dressings American

Apple Walnut Salad With Cranberry Vinaigrette

A family favorite since 1995! This vibrant Apple Walnut Salad boasts a tangy cranberry vinaigrette that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Inspired by Bon Appetit, this recipe features crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of sweetness, perfectly balanced by the tart cranberry dressing. Elevate it further with crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola for an extra layer of creamy, savory flavor. Perfect for a light lunch, holiday gathering, or a weeknight dinner.

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Yeast Course For Large Groups Preparation

10 Grain Orange Bread

Elevate your turkey sandwich game with this irresistible 10 Grain Orange Cranberry Bread! The subtly sweet orange notes and hearty 10-grain blend create the perfect base for savory turkey and tangy cranberry sauce. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon snack. Imagine the perfect bite: tender bread, juicy turkey, and a burst of cranberry – pure deliciousness! Make this recipe today and experience the ultimate turkey sandwich.

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Vegetables Lettuces Easy Vegetables

Arizona's Granny Smith Salad

Craving a refreshing and zesty salad? This copycat Arizona S Granny Smith Salad recipe is bursting with flavor! Sweet Granny Smith apples, crunchy pecans, juicy grapes, and sharp cheddar cheese are tossed in a homemade vinaigrette that's simply irresistible. Easy to make and perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or potluck contribution. Get ready for a taste of Arizona sunshine!

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Vegetarian Equipment Preparation Brown Bag

Get Up Go Bars

Fuel your morning with these energizing Get Up & Go Breakfast Bars! Packed with fiber and delicious flavor, these homemade bars are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack. Inspired by a classic recipe, these bars are so satisfying, you'll be ready to conquer your day. Perfect with your morning coffee!

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Preparation American Cuisine Berries

Apple Apricot Cranberry Crumble

Warm up your kitchen with this irresistible Apple Apricot Cranberry Crumble! This recipe, discovered in a treasured cookbook from a recent swap, combines the sweet tartness of cranberries with juicy apples and apricots for a delightful autumnal dessert. Perfect for cozy nights and family gatherings, this crumble is easy to make and utterly delicious. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion!

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Easy Low In Something Main Ingredient Low Protein

Quick Cranberry Coleslaw

Craving a vibrant and flavorful coleslaw? This recipe delivers! Made with a pre-packaged cabbage mix, sweet cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a tangy dressing, it's ready in minutes. Feel free to customize with low-fat mayo and a sugar substitute for a lighter version. Perfect as a side dish for any meal!

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30 Minutes Or Less Cookies And Brownies Time To Make Desserts

A Honey Of An Oatmeal Cookies

Indulge in these irresistible, soft and chewy honey oatmeal cookies! A delightful twist on classic recipes, these cookies are bursting with warm honey flavor and delightful texture. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a special occasion, your family will be begging for more. Get baking today!

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Time To Make Pies Low In Something Time To Make

Apple Cranberry Puff Pastry Strudel Slices

Flaky puff pastry embraces a sweet and tart apple cranberry filling in this irresistible strudel! Easy to make and perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special treat. This recipe is easily doubled for a crowd. Substitute raisins for cranberries for a delightful twist. Get ready for a taste of autumn in every bite!

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Christmas Occasion Holiday Event New Years

Hot Cranberry Cider

Warm up with this cozy cranberry cider, perfect for crisp autumn evenings and chilly winter nights! This festive drink is bursting with the tart sweetness of cranberries and warming spices. Imagine yourself snuggled by the fireplace, sipping this delicious and easy-to-make beverage. Get the recipe now!

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Apples Salads Apples Low In Something

Apple And Toasted Pecan Salad With Honey Poppy Seed Dressing

Joan's award-winning Apple & Toasted Pecan Salad is a delightful mix of sweet and savory! This recipe features crisp apples, crunchy toasted pecans, and a luscious honey poppy seed dressing. Easily customizable to your liking, this salad makes a light lunch or a hearty main course with the addition of grilled chicken or other protein. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 20 minutes!

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Tropical Fruit Low In Something Time To Make Fruit

Banana Cranberry Spice Muffins

Delightfully moist and spiced banana cranberry muffins, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat! These easy-to-make muffins combine the sweetness of bananas and cranberries with warming spices for a delicious homemade flavor. Get the recipe from BettyCrocker.com and impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant baked good.

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Dietary Occasion Fruit 15 Minutes Or Less

Alternative To Waldorf Salad Hold The Mayo

Craving Waldorf salad but watching your cholesterol? This vibrant, mayo-free recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative! Packed with extra veggies and zesty lemon juice, it's a low-calorie, low-cholesterol winner that your whole family will love. Say goodbye to creamy guilt and hello to a refreshing and flavorful salad that's surprisingly easy to make in just 15 minutes!

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Low Calorie Time To Make Dietary Meat

Apple Cranberry And Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

Juicy chicken breasts burst with a sweet and savory explosion of apple, cranberry, and tangy feta! This 20-minute recipe is a delightful mix of flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Impress your family and friends with this easy yet elegant dish!

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