Seasonal Produce: Cranberries

Very tart in flavor, they are usually added to sweet and savory dishes or combined with other fruits, such as apples, pears and oranges. Harvested in late September and early October, fresh cranberries are available through December.

Purchasing

• Cranberries are sold in 12-ounce plastic bags making it impossible to select individual berries. Select bags of mostly firm, plump, unblemished berries that are dark to light red in color.
• Avoid bags that contain shriveled, soft or moldy berries.
• Refrigerate fresh cranberries in their unopened plastic bag for up to 1 month. Once opened, place remaining berries in a resealable plastic bag.
• Freeze them, unwashed, in the original bag or an airtight freezer container for up to 1 year.

Preparing

• Rinse fresh cranberries under cold water just before using.
• Sort through them and discard any soft, shriveled or discolored berries.
• Do not thaw frozen berries before using.
• To easily chop fresh or frozen cranberries, pulse them in a food processor to the desired texture.

Nutrition

Serving

• Substitute some of the apples or pears in your favorite crisp or cobbler recipe with fresh cranberries for holiday color and great flavor.
• Top a brick of PHILADELPHIA BRAND Cream Cheese with some homemade cranberry relish or sauce and serve with crackers for a festive holiday appetizer spread.
• Toss chopped fresh cranberries into muffin, coffee cake or quick bread batter in place of blueberries or other fruits.
• Add a holiday touch to STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix by stirring in fresh cranberries during preparation.
• In addition to relish or sauce, use fresh cranberries to prepare homemade jellies and jams. Jazz up your favorite JELL-O Gelatin molds by adding sweetened chopped fresh cranberries.