Berry Fruit | Vegan Gluten Free Low Calorie

Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarpon Allergen-Free
cranberry

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Ericaceae
  • Primary Cuisine North American
  • Seasonality Fall (September-November)
  • Source Cranberry plant

The Forktionary Angle

"The Ruby Jewel of the Wetlands"

Definition

A small, tart, red berry native to North America, often used in juices, sauces, and dried forms due to its unique flavor and health benefits.

Sensory Profile

TasteVery Tart, Astringent, Slightly Bitter
TextureFirm, Juicy, Slightly Crunchy (skin)
AromaFresh, Fruity, Slightly Pungent
AcidityHigh

Technical Metrics

Global Production

~400,000 metric tons/year

Shelf Life (Fresh)

2-4 weeks refrigerated

Vitamin C Content

~14mg per 100g

Nutrition Facts

Per 1/2 cup (55g)
Calories46 kcal
Total Fat0.1 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.4 g
Total Carbohydrate12.2 g
Dietary Fiber4.6 g
Total Sugars4 g
Calcium8 mg
Iron0.3 mg
Potassium85 mg

Chef’s Secret

Freezing fresh cranberries before chopping makes them easier to work with, especially for quick breads or muffins.

Substitutions

Best Match

Red Currants

1:1

Similar tartness and color, good for sauces and jams.

Lingonberries

1:1

Very similar tart flavor, popular in Scandinavian cuisine.

Pomegranates (seeds)

1:1

Tartness and juicy burst, different texture.

Sour Cherries

1:1

Tartness, good for baking, distinct cherry flavor.

Buying Guide

Look for firm, plump, bright red berries. Avoid soft or shriveled ones.

Flavor Pairings

Turkey chicken pork oranges apples cinnamon pecans cheese.

Recipes Using Cranberry

Drop Cookies Dietary Time To Make Cookies And Brownies

Addictive Oatmeal Molasses Cookies

These irresistible Oatmeal Molasses Cookies are a family heirloom recipe, passed down through generations! Warm, chewy, and bursting with molasses flavor, they're the perfect treat for any occasion. Feel free to substitute craisins for raisins for a delightful twist – both versions are incredibly delicious! Get ready to experience cookie perfection!

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Preparation Time To Make Dietary Technique

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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Puddings And Mousses 3 Steps Or Less Eggs North American

Apple Bread Pudding With Cranberries

Warm up your kitchen with this comforting Apple Cranberry Bread Pudding! Made with freshly milled bread, tart cranberries, and sweet apples, this recipe is a delicious way to use up leftover bread. The creamy custard and cinnamon-spiced apples create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. A delightful dessert or brunch treat for any occasion!

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Vegetarian Time To Make Fruit Side Dishes

Apple Cider Wild Rice Pilaf Treasure

This Apple Cider Wild Rice Pilaf is a treasure trove of flavor! A quick and easy recipe, ready in under 75 minutes, it combines the nutty heartiness of wild rice with the sweet tang of apple cider and the delightful crunch of pecans and cranberries. Impress your family and friends with this festive and delicious side dish, perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or any weeknight meal.

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Cuisine Low Sodium Healthy 2 60 Minutes Or Less

Apple Cranberry Crisp

Warm up your autumn with this irresistible Apple Cranberry Crisp! Bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries and juicy apples, topped with a buttery, crunchy oat crumble. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a festive dessert to share. Get ready for a taste of fall that will leave you craving more!

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Comfort Food Berries Pies And Tarts Low Cholesterol

Apple Cranberry Crisp Pie

This Apple Cranberry Crisp Pie is the perfect fall dessert! Tart cranberries mingle beautifully with sweet apples in a buttery, crunchy crisp topping. A family favorite, this recipe's surprising flavor combination will become your new go-to autumn pie. Inspired by a newspaper coupon find, this recipe boasts a delightful balance of sweet and tart that will impress even cranberry skeptics!

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Lettuces Salads Pears Preparation

Apple Pear Salad With Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

A light and refreshing Apple Pear Salad, perfect as a starter or a light lunch! This recipe, adapted from Southern Living magazine (March 2007), is bursting with fresh flavors and a zesty lemon poppy seed dressing. Easy to make in under 15 minutes, it's the ideal healthy and delicious meal option.

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Number Of Servings Main Ingredient North American Preparation

Apples In Phyllo

Prepare to be amazed! These Apples in Phyllo pastries are so incredibly delicious, they'll have everyone convinced you bought them from a fancy pastry shop. This recipe, inspired by Harold (and perfected by me!), features tender apples wrapped in crispy phyllo dough and sprinkled with crunchy walnuts. It's the perfect elegant dessert for your next holiday gathering or special occasion. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Course Desserts Preparation Time To Make

Apricot Oatmeal Cookies

Start your day with the delightful taste of these Apricot Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies! These chewy, wholesome cookies are packed with the sweetness of apricots and the heartiness of oatmeal, making them the perfect guilt-free breakfast treat. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this recipe is a must-try for busy mornings or a delightful weekend baking project. Prep time includes cooling.

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Low Cholesterol Dinner Party Low Cholesterol Low Protein

Artichoke And Hearts Of Palm Salad

This vibrant and refreshing Artichoke and Hearts of Palm Salad is the perfect appetizer or light lunch! A simple recipe with incredible flavor, it's sure to become a new favorite. This recipe was a newspaper clipping find, and it's been a family favorite ever since. The tangy dressing and the combination of artichoke hearts and crisp hearts of palm create a delightful culinary experience.

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Lettuces Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less Greens

Baby Greens Salad With Cranberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Impress your guests with this elegant Baby Greens Salad, perfect for holiday brunches or dinner parties! This recipe features a vibrant cranberry balsamic vinaigrette and a delightful mix of textures – crunchy walnuts, sweet cranberries, and creamy goat cheese (or mild blue cheese!). Inspired by Mary Ann Vitale, owner of La Taverna Restaurant in La Jolla, CA, this salad is easy to make yet tastes incredibly gourmet. Get ready to elevate your next gathering!

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Low Fat Healthy 2 Low Cholesterol Course

Baked Cranberry Acorn Squash

This autumnal recipe transforms sweet acorn squash into a delicious and festive side dish. Bursting with tart cranberries and warming spices, this baked cranberry acorn squash is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, it's a crowd-pleaser that's sure to impress!

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Course Desserts Pies Preparation

Bar Harbor Cranberry Pie

A taste of Maine magic! This delightful Bar Harbor Cranberry Pie recipe, originally from Jean Hayes of Laporte, TX (found in a Gooseberry Patch Christmas craft book!), is bursting with tart cranberry flavor. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you crave a homemade pie. This recipe is easily adaptable: use fresh or frozen cranberries (no thawing needed!), and for gluten-free baking, simply substitute Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Gluten Free Flour. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this wonderfully delicious and easy-to-make pie!

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5 Ingredients Or Less Easy Healthy Low Saturated Fat

Basic Cranberry Sauce

Ditch the canned cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving! This simple recipe delivers a vibrant, homemade cranberry sauce in just 15 minutes. It's bursting with fresh cranberry flavor and the perfect tangy complement to your holiday feast. Surprisingly easy and unbelievably delicious – elevate your Thanksgiving table with this must-make side dish.

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Low Sodium Valentines Day Holiday Event Rolled Cookies

Basic Shortbread With Variations

Indulge in the buttery goodness of homemade shortbread cookies! This recipe provides a classic base recipe with exciting variations: white chocolate dipped, cranberry clementine, pecan macadamia bites, and sugar stars. Perfect for holiday baking or any special occasion, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of French vanilla coffee. Yield and baking time may vary depending on thickness and size, so follow the instructions for perfectly baked shortbread every time!

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4 Hours Or Less Preparation Main Ingredient European

Bigos From Out Of This Kitchen

Dive into the rich flavors of authentic Polish Bigos! This hearty hunter's stew, made with a secret family recipe, is incredibly flavorful but requires some time and patience. The result? A deeply satisfying, complex, and unforgettable dish perfect for a chilly evening. Get ready for an adventure in taste!

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Dietary Desserts 30 Minutes Or Less Dietary

Cranberry Hootycreek Cookies

Irresistibly addictive Cranberry Hootycreek Cookies! These easy-to-make cookies are bursting with flavor, featuring a delightful combination of tart dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and crunchy nuts. Perfect for holiday baking or any time you crave a delicious treat. Get ready for a cookie craze!

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Fruit Desserts Fruit Refrigerator

Shannon's Chocolate Orange Cranberry Trifle

A festive and delicious twist on a classic trifle! Inspired by the beloved Terry's Chocolate Orange and cranberry orange muffins, this dessert combines layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy orange curd, tart cranberries, and rich chocolate shavings. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Get ready for a burst of chocolate, orange, and cranberry flavor in every bite!

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