The health benefits of Cranberries
Hydrating
With a water content of around 90%, cranberries are very hydrating. It can therefore easily be consumed in the form of juice to maintain good hydration of the body.
Antioxidant
It is the tannins contained in the cranberry that give it its antioxidant powers . It is a very effective fruit to limit cell aging and regenerate tissues.
Diuretic
Thanks to flavonoids and mineral salts, cranberries will allow you to properly remove excess water from your body.
Prevents cystitis
It is the lingonberry juice which is the most effective in preventing cystitis ( urinary tract infections ), indeed it has been proven that the lingonberry worked against the bacteria Escherichia Coli which is often present in case of cystitis.
Nutritional values of cranberries
Per 100g cranberries
| Water | 90.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8.7g |
| Fat | 0.1g |
| Protein | 0.4g |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Magnesium | 20 mg |
| Calcium | 56 mg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Fibers | 2 g |
| Energy | 25 kcal |
| Energy | 104.5 kJ |
The main nutrients in cranberries
Potassium
If you want to take care of your muscular health, the cranberry will be to integrate into your diet: its potassium content, added to that found in other everyday foods will allow you to cover your needs.
Low calorie
With only 25 kcal per 100g of cranberries, the energy intake remains very moderate and will therefore allow you to consume cranberries if you are looking to lose weight.
Vitamin C
If its content is not as important as other fruits, cranberry is often consumed in large quantities in recipes, so we can enjoy the antioxidant benefits of vitamin C.
Use of cranberries in the kitchen: some recipe ideas
The taste of cranberries
Very acidic if eaten raw, it is sweeter if it is cooked and possibly prepared with a little sugar.
How to choose the cranberry?
The ripe lingonberry should be small and red, and may be slightly floury. Its peduncle must be very green and it must be swollen like a gooseberry.
We find cranberries at full maturity in August and September. However, it is rare to find fresh cranberries in France, they are found rather canned, desiccated or frozen.
How to store lingonberry properly?
If you buy it fresh, the cranberries should be kept in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator. Very concentrated in water, it is fragile and will not support a long conservation (a few days at most).
How to cook lingonberry?
The most widely used recipe is the famous Nordic lingonberry sauce that goes perfectly with poultry and meat dishes. You can also combine cranberries with duck breasts to enhance them.
Its very acidic flavor prevents it from being eaten raw as it is, however you can make tasty jams or eat them dry in cakes and cakes or even in juice.
Little history of cranberries
Cranberries can be mistaken for cranberries or blueberries, which are also part of the berry family but have very different flavors and benefits.
