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

Equipment Occasion Course American

Acorn Squash With Cranberry Stuffing

This autumnal recipe elevates simple acorn squash to a delicious and impressive main course. Sweet and tart cranberry stuffing, bursting with seasonal flavors like apples, pecans, and warming spices, perfectly complements the tender squash. A visually stunning and flavorful dish, perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner.

See Complete Recipe
Low Cholesterol Rice Low Cholesterol Low Fat

Another Pilaf

This aromatic Another Pilaf recipe is a delightful blend of fluffy rice, fragrant spices, and sweet-tart cranberries and raisins. Perfect as a side dish with pork or chicken, or enjoyed on its own with fresh fruit and crusty bread. The combination of textures and flavors will tantalize your taste buds! Get ready for a culinary adventure in just 65 minutes!

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Seafood Easy Course

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!

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Easy Canadian Cuisine

Apple Cranberry French Toast

This Apple Cranberry French Toast Casserole is a crowd-pleasing brunch masterpiece! Imagine tender bread soaked in a warm, spiced custard, bursting with juicy apples and tart cranberries. Marinate overnight for maximum flavor, then bake to golden perfection. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special weekend breakfast! This recipe was a hit at our family brunch – you'll be amazed!

See Complete Recipe
Seasonal Eggs Dairy Apples Nuts

Apple Cranberry Pudding

Indulge in this warm and comforting Apple Cranberry Delight! This gluten-free pudding boasts a luscious apple and cranberry filling topped with a delicate almond sponge. No flour needed! Best enjoyed warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A perfect fall dessert!

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Desserts Course 4 Hours Or Less

Apple Hill Cake

Capture the taste of autumn with our Apple Hill Harvest Cake! This incredibly popular cake, a bestseller during Apple Hill's harvest season, features tender apples, warm spices, and a hint of nutty goodness (walnuts are optional – feel free to add raisins or cranberries for a delightful twist!). A moist and comforting treat perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in.

See Complete Recipe
Low Cholesterol Low In Something Beginner Cook Time To Make

Apple Orchard Punch

This refreshing Apple Orchard Punch recipe is incredibly easy to make and perfect for any gathering! Bursting with the flavors of apple, cranberry, and orange, this delightful punch is elevated with a touch of ginger ale and beautiful apple slices. Double the recipe for a crowd-pleasing drink that will leave everyone wanting more. Get ready for a taste of autumn in every sip!

See Complete Recipe
Course Number Of Servings Equipment Main Ingredient

Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

Delight your taste buds with this autumnal masterpiece! Sweet and tart apples mingle with zesty orange and juicy cranberries inside tender acorn squash. A touch of maple syrup and crunchy pecans create a flavor explosion that's both comforting and sophisticated. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday side dish.

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient Main Dish Pork Meat

Apple Apricot Pork Chops Crock Pot

Fall in love with this incredibly juicy and flavorful Apple Apricot Pork Chops recipe! Slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot, these tender pork chops are bathed in a sweet and savory sauce, bursting with the delicious flavors of apples and apricots. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

See Complete Recipe
Refrigerator Refrigerator Dietary Occasion

Apple Cranberry Cottage Cheese

A light and refreshing twist on cottage cheese! This 5-minute recipe, inspired by Kraft Foods, combines sweet applesauce, tart cranberries, and creamy nonfat cottage cheese for a delightful brunch side dish. Guests rave about its unique flavor combination and surprisingly light texture. Easily customizable – swap cranberries for other dried fruits like raisins or chopped apricots. Perfect for a healthy and delicious start to your day or a unique addition to your next brunch menu.

See Complete Recipe
Pears Lettuces Apples No Cook

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.

See Complete Recipe
Quick Breads Cakes Dietary Time To Make

Applesauce Cake For Diabetics

Indulge your sweet tooth without the guilt! This moist and delicious applesauce cake is perfect for diabetics. Low in sugar and bursting with apple flavor, it's a healthier dessert alternative you'll crave. Easily customizable – rinse craisins to reduce sugar content or substitute with raisins. Adapted from Mabel Cavaiani's "Desserts for Diabetics", this low-rise cake is like a healthier, sweeter brownie or snack cake. Prepare to impress!

See Complete Recipe
Dinner Party Healthy 2 Preparation Low Cholesterol

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.

See Complete Recipe
Holiday Event Holiday Event Pies And Tarts Pies

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!

See Complete Recipe
Easter Holiday Event Easter Desserts

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!

See Complete Recipe
Cuisine Low Calorie Cuisine Course

Berry Grapefruit Cup

Start your day with a burst of flavor! This vibrant Berry Grapefruit Cup combines the tartness of grapefruit with the sweetness of cranberries, creating a refreshing and healthy breakfast or brunch dish. Easy to prepare and packed with antioxidants, this recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious morning meal.

See Complete Recipe
Inexpensive Berries Course Fruit

Betsy's Lemon Cranberry Bread

This irresistible lemon cranberry bread recipe, originally found in a Toh magazine, is a delightful blend of zesty lemon, tart cranberries, and your choice of nuts (almonds are recommended!). Perfect for gifting (especially in mini loaves!), this recipe creates two delicious 9x5x3 inch loaves. The secret? A luscious lemon glaze that takes this bread to the next level. Get ready to experience a burst of flavor in every bite!

See Complete Recipe
Apples Pork Sausage Pork Time To Make

Cornbread Sausage Apple Pecan Stuffing

This Thanksgiving, elevate your holiday feast with our mouthwatering Cornbread Sausage Apple Pecan Stuffing! A Southern-inspired masterpiece, this recipe perfectly blends savory sausage, sweet apples and pecans, and the delightful crumbles of cornbread. Perfect for stuffing a 20-lb turkey or baking as a delicious side casserole. Easily adaptable to your taste, add cranberries for extra tartness or experiment with different nuts and spices. Inspired by "The Silver Palate Cookbook," this recipe is sure to become a family favorite for any special occasion. Get ready for a stuffing sensation!

See Complete Recipe