LAKEVILLE-MIDDLEBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--We pride ourselves on offering consumers our beloved cranberries any way they want them. From juice to sauce to Craisins® dried cranberries, you can count on Ocean Spray® to provide choices to satisfy your cranberry cravings all year long. However, from October through December, it’s time to celebrate this truly amazing, exceptional and oh, so versatile fruit.
Since fresh cranberries are only here for a limited time, Ocean Spray® unwraps the mysteries around how to cook, create and celebrate with this seasonal gem.
- Preparing fresh cranberries – Sort out any soft berries and stems. Ripe berries should feel firm and even bounce! Rinse berries in cool water, drain well and use as much as the recipe suggests. If the recipe says to use “1 cup chopped cranberries,” chop the cranberries first (food processor is the best method), skin and all, and measure them. If the recipe says to use “1 cup cranberries,” measure the cranberries first, then chop.
- Storing fresh cranberries – To store fresh cranberries, simply keep in the refrigerator in their original plastic bag—there’s no need to wash and repackage. Fresh cranberries stored in the refrigerator are usually good for up to two weeks. And remember, fresh cranberries won’t be around on your grocery store shelves for long, so buy an extra bag or two and store in your freezer. They’ll be good for up to one year. When ready to use, simply rinse them under cool water and use as directed. Enjoy them year round in savory dishes, sizzling BBQ sauces or your “Christmas in July” celebration!
- Cooking with fresh cranberries – No need to peel or seed (yes, we get those questions every year)! Cooking with cranberries is as easy as 1, 2, 3. So this year, why not create our Classic Fresh Cranberry Sauce – with only three ingredients, it can be made in less than 20 minutes! Just combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil; add a 12 ounce bag of fresh cranberries and return to boil. Reduce heat and boil gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cover and cool completely at room temperature and voila! Just refrigerate it until it’s ready to serve.
(Tip: Also try Low-Calorie Cranberry Sauce, Fiesta Style Cranberry Sauce and Cranberry Chutney for twists on the Thanksgiving staple).
- Substituting fresh with dried – If you’ve gone fresh cranberry crazy and run out, no need to worry. You can substitute Craisins® Dried Cranberries for fresh cranberries in baked goods.
(Tip: There is a ¼ cup difference in measurement. If a recipe calls for one cup of fresh cranberries you should use ¾ cup of Craisins® Dried Cranberries!).
Dishes and Decor that Dazzle Diners
Ok! You’ve got the berry basics down, now let’s step it up a bit! From traditional to rustic to upscale, try one of these fresh cranberry favorites!
1. Cranberry Nut Bars – A tried and true crowd pleaser, these bars can be enjoyed all cranberry season long, accompanying your morning coffee, as an afternoon pick me-up or even as a little post-dinner indulgence.
2. Cranberry Gorgonzola Appetizer Tart – When guests arrive, share the sweet and savory side of cranberry with this deliciously decadent, easy-to-make appetizer.
3. Cranberry Pumpkin Bread – Ah, two of fall’s most delectable, seasonal staples combine for a bread option worth savoring with the big feast.
4. Roasted Cranberry Quesadillas – Wow your guests by adding the little red berry to this non-traditional dessert for something delightfully different.
5. Cranberry Flower Arrangement – With a natural take on floral beads, this DIY arrangement decorates your holiday table like no other!
Mother Nature’s Super Fruit
Cranberries are an exceptional fruit; they contribute to whole-body health and contain Proanthocyanidins or PACs, elements found deep inside the cranberry that help cleanse and purify the body. Cranberry products can play an important role in helping Americans meet their recommended daily fruit intake.
Whatever your taste, whatever your preference, you can enjoy the cranberry in many different forms all year long—from sauce to juice to Craisins® dried cranberries and, of course, fresh! Visit OceanSpray.com to find your cranberry match.
To help you enjoy the goodness of the cranberry, Ocean Spray is offering a coupon for $1 off Ocean Spray® Fresh Cranberries now at OceanSpray.com.
Need meal inspiration or last-minute Thanksgiving help?
Check out Ocean Spray’s Plan-it guide, the perfect party companion for the holiday host. Complete with pre-set menus, measurement guides and more, Plan-It is a one-stop shop for holiday entertaining! You can also find more recipes and last-minute entertaining tips, even on Thanksgiving Day, at Ocean Spray’s Kitchen or Consumer Helpline (1-800-662-3263), or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
About Ocean Spray
Ocean Spray is a vibrant agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry and grapefruit growers in the United States, Canada and Chile who have helped preserve the family farming way of life for generations. Formed in 1930, Ocean Spray is now the world’s leading producer of cranberry juices, juice drinks and dried cranberries and is the best-selling brand in the North American bottled juice category. The cooperative’s cranberries are currently featured in more than a thousand great-tasting, good-for-you products in over 90 countries worldwide. With more than 2,000 employees and nearly 20 cranberry receiving and processing facilities, Ocean Spray is committed to managing our business in a way that respects our communities, employees and the environment. In fiscal year 2013, Ocean Spray posted gross sales of $2.2 billion and net proceeds of $380 million. For more information visit www.oceanspray.com or our corporate blog at www.insidethecranberry.com.
