Today we are talking about a famous fruit name usually heard with the names of hard drinks, a fruit which looks like a cherry!
Yes! You guessed it right. We are talking about tangy, flavorful cranberries.
When we say cranberries, the only thing that comes to our mind is Thanksgiving celebrations. As during this fest, many of us gorge on this luscious fruit in the form of cranberry sauce, cranberry juice, hard drinks, and dried cranberries added to the dessert.
But have you ever heard about its benefits and how to choose good berries?
Indeed Cranberries are a great addition to the berry family!!
Well, now you will know why and also why you should have them more often !!!
Benefits of Cranberry
Cranberries are considered a super food for they have high nutrient and antioxidant content.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
The cranberry is best known for its role in preventing UTIs. The high levels of proanthocyanidins (PACs) in cranberries help reduce the bond of certain bacteria to the urinary zone walls, in turn fighting off infections.
Dental
The proanthocyanidins in cranberries benefit oral health by preventing bacteria from covering the teeth. These berries are also beneficial in preventing gum disease.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cranberries are a storehouse of polyphenols (naturally available organic chemicals), and this compound helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) by preventing the growth of platelets.
Cancer
As per studies, Cranberries are beneficial in slowing tumor progression and have shown positive effects against prostate, liver, breast, ovarian, and colon cancers.
How to buy good cranberries?
Cranberries are also known as bounce berries, and they have this name as a good and ripe cranberry will bounce. They are also shiny and plump. You will find them in bright light red to dark red. One should never pick up Berries that have shriveled or those that have brown spots on them.
How to store them?
You can Store cranberries in a tightly sealed container or a plastic bag in a refrigerator. One should get rid of the soft ones. If the berries are fresh, they may last up to 2 months in the fridge. Also many do not know that cooked cranberries last up to a month if kept in an adequately covered container in the refrigerator. And, the best part is that Washed cranberries can be frozen for up to a year in an airtight bag.
