Cranberries: health benefits and harms

According to observations by Chinese scientists, cranberries have a beneficial effect on inflammation in the bladder and can prevent the formation of gastric ulcers. It turned out that lovers of drinks or desserts created on the basis of this berry are less susceptible to such diseases. The thing is that the fruits of this plant contain some substances that can create negative conditions for the life of bacteria that cause these disorders.

Description

Cranberries belong to evergreens and is a shrub made up of thin shoots of small height. The height of the shoots of the shrub reaches an average of 30 cm. The wild-growing plant has bright red berries and a rounded shape, in cross section they can reach 12 mm. Artificially bred varieties are distinguished by larger fruits; their berries can grow up to 20 mm across.

Flowering plants occur in June, and in September the fruits already reach their ripening. Berries grown on plantations, as a rule, have time to ripen 10-15 days earlier than wild ones. They are perfectly preserved, their collection can continue until spring.

What is the difference between cranberries and lingonberries

Both cranberries and lingonberries are characteristic representatives of the Heather family, both plants have evergreen leaves. However, first of all, cranberries differ from lingonberries in the structure of the shrub itself. Cranberries prefer to spread along the branches of the soil, while lingonberries grow upward, reaching a height of 25 cm. In some cases, you can find lingonberries growing from a rotting stump. In this situation, the branches of the plant can grow up to 1 m in length. It should also be noted that lingonberries prefer dry soil, while cranberries grow in moist areas.

The flowering and ripening times of the fruits also have some differences. Cranberries begin to bloom in the second half of May and end by mid-June. Lingonberry begins to bloom at the very beginning of May, and its flowering continues until the end of June. By the time of ripening the lingonberry berries are a month ahead of their relative, its fruits ripen by mid-August, while cranberries begin to ripen only in September.

The fruits of both plants differ in color, shape, size, as well as taste. Cranberry fruits are noticeably larger, they have a rounded shape, are soft (when pressed, they start juice), bright red in color and have a characteristic sour taste with a noticeable bitterness. Lingonberry has smaller fruits and a flattened shape, its berries get a darker color, sweet and sour taste and dense pulp, from which it is more difficult to squeeze the juice.

The sizes of the leaves of these plants also have visible differences; the lingonberry leaf reaches large sizes. If the cranberry leaf grows to 1.5 cm in length with a width of 0.5 cm, then the rutabaga leaf grows up to 3 cm in length with a width of 1.5 cm. However, the shape of the leaves is almost the same, which once again testifies to their relationship.

What is more useful

In order to conclude which of the berries is more effective for healing the human body, it is necessary to make a comparative analysis between the chemical composition of both fruits. So you can trace which of the berries has a higher concentration of useful elements, which are an indicator of the qualitative content.

The composition of cranberries contains:

• Vitamin groups - B, C and K;
• nicotinic and folic acid;
• iron;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• boron;
• iodine;
• phosphorus;
• magnesium;
• silver;
• manganese.

Unlike cranberries, lingonberries cannot boast such a wealth of trace elements, it contains:

• groups of vitamins A, B, C and E;
• acids: nicotinic, ursolic, tartaric, salicylic, benzoic.

In addition to the main elements, lingonberries contain a list of useful trace elements important for the human body - mineral salts, as well as tannins and pectins.

As a result, it turns out that both berries have a rather different content, so it is very difficult to judge which one has the greatest benefit. One thing is certain with certainty that both plants are actively used for medical purposes. In addition, the presented berries are excellently suited for use in dietary nutrition, because the acids they contain take an active part in burning fat deposits.

Composition and calorie content

Cranberries can be eaten not only in fresh form, it retains useful properties in both dried and frozen form. To assess the nutritional value of this product, it is worthwhile to figure out how many different components are present in 100 g of fruits:

• proteins - 0.5 g;
• fats - 0.2 g;
• carbohydrates - 3.7 g;
• ash - 0.3 g;
• water - 89 g.

Cranberries can be considered a low-calorie product, because 100 grams of berries contain no more than 26 kilocalories. However, when dried, the energy value of the product increases significantly, 100 g of such a product contains 308 calories. For this reason, you should be aware that excessive consumption of dried cranberries can easily lead to obesity.

The content of cranberry berries is characterized by a complete set of useful substances that are found in other berries. It is saturated not only with sugars with organic acids, but also with vitamins, as well as pectins. In addition, it contains such acids:

• lemon;
• ursolic;
• benzoic;
• hinnaya;
• apple
• amber;
• chlorogenic;
• oleander;
• oxal.

Also, in comparison with other berries, there is a high concentration of pectins. By including cranberry berries in your daily diet, everyone can expect an increase in appetite and an improvement in the digestive process.

Useful properties of cranberries

General benefit

Cranberries help improve the secretion of gastric juice and stabilize the pancreas. These properties allow you to treat gastritis, provoked by the low acidity of the produced gastric juice, or inflammation that forms in the pancreas. In addition, cranberry fruits act as a diuretic, as well as a bactericidal agent and have a positive effect on patients with pyelonephritis.

Cranberries have the ability to have a protective effect on the genitourinary system if it is threatened by infection. The berry contains elements of proanthocyanidin that can inhibit the spread of bacteria in the genitourinary system at the cellular level.

In addition, its content is filled with antioxidants, which allows it to have an anti-inflammatory effect and even localize cancerous tumors. Many scientists insist that this natural composition must be included in prophylactic drugs to prevent the occurrence of cancer prerequisites.It was experimentally established that cranberry juice juice is able to interact with enzymes in the human body that contribute to the appearance of cancer cells. Thus, the probability of their spread, but also of education as a whole, is noticeably reduced.

For women

Every woman wants to have a slim figure, while not excluding her favorite foods from the diet. Cranberries can greatly contribute to solving this issue, as it has not only dietary properties, but also increases the metabolic rate.

For complete weight loss, it is enough to include in the daily diet only 100 g of fresh berries. At the same time, they do not have to be eaten whole, but can be used as an additive to desserts and other suitable dishes. It is worth considering that it is difficult for people suffering from low acidity to adhere to a number of diets. However, with daily consumption of cranberries, the risk of getting the disorder is reduced several times.

Among the useful qualities of the presented berries can be noted antipyretic, as well as diuretic abilities. These qualities will have a beneficial effect in the manifestation of symptoms associated with PMS. And if you take into account that the fruits significantly increase appetite, then we can confidently say that you will not have to refuse food even with noticeable pains in the abdomen. The complex composition of the natural remedy promotes blood enrichment, replenishes the vitamin reserve in the body. This is a convincing argument for the consumption of berries during the cycle.

In the case where there are skin problems, acne, it is recommended that you also think about a cranberry diet. The content of a number of minerals allows you to enrich the cellular content of the skin and provide a therapeutic effect by accelerating the flow of blood from the inside to the outer layers of the dermis. In addition, the rich content of vitamin C serves as a means of maintaining skin elasticity and significantly slows down the aging process. To obtain a high effect, it is more expedient to use not internal consumption of berries, but masks with their flesh.

For men

In the case of infection in the urinary tract or inflammation of the genitourinary system, cranberries endowed with rich natural abilities will be the best preventive measure. It is recommended to include 100 g of fresh berries in the daily diet, this tool can be used on its own initiative without a doctor's prescription. You can also use dried fruits, whether it is an individual harvest or a component that is part of sweets.

In addition, cranberries are recommended for use in the event of cancer, provided that there are no individual contraindications. In this case, it is better to seek the advice of a doctor. With powerful protective properties, the berry promotes the regeneration of soft tissues and can help get rid of bleeding gums, which arises from a lack of essential trace elements.

The concentrated content of antioxidants allows you to activate the ability of the immune system, and also increases the stability of cell membranes and accelerates blood flow, which decreases as a result of taking antibiotics. In addition, the quality presented is able to systematize the activity of the pancreas. The presence of phenol in the composition of the fruit helps to increase the overall tone of the male body, and the presence of citric acid protects against the re-development of harmful microorganisms and microflora of pathogenic content.

Cranberries will be a very valuable additional component in the diet of sick men who systematically suffer from seasonal colds. This is due to the fact that cranberries actively contribute to increasing immunity, take part in the removal of all kinds of toxins from the body, as well as toxins and decay products. In addition, cranberry fruits have antibacterial properties and contribute to the removal of heat.

During pregnancy

Cranberries are not only characterized by a high concentration of vitamins, but also contain a large list of minerals that are urgently needed by the female body during the development of the fetus. Plus, the ability of berries to increase immunity is very useful. Another necessary quality for pregnant women is the diuretic property of the fruit, which avoids excessive puffiness, which often manifests itself in the period of late gestation.

When breastfeeding

Cranberries are among the foods that are at risk for a nursing mother, because she can cause allergic processes in babies, as well as cause digestive upsets. For this reason, including such a product in the diet is permissible only under conditions of strict accounting of the norm with systematic monitoring of how the children's body reacts. At the same time, you should abandon raw berries or jam, and limit yourself to cranberry juice.

Although, on the other hand, if no contraindications were found, then a cranberry drink may be very helpful. Indeed, a high concentration of vitamin C possesses not only general strengthening properties, but also tones the body, suppressing fatigue and increasing resistance to viral infections. In addition, the beneficial composition of the fruit helps to increase lactation in nursing mothers, which is always important.

For kids

Cranberries have the ability to increase the protective functions of the child's body, which is of great importance in the prevention of colds. A high concentration of useful trace elements saturates the child's body with the necessary materials for general strengthening and quick recovery of forces.

In addition, it is very useful for the child to take cranberry juice in conditions of elevated temperature, since the berry composition contains diaphoretic agents that can reduce the intoxication of the body. With diseases such as tonsillitis or bronchitis, cranberry juice in combination with honey will be of great benefit. This mixture will have not only antiseptic, but also expectorant properties.

When losing weight

Cranberry berries have many components that have a beneficial effect on the process of losing weight. They contain a large amount of fiber, which has the ability to remove negative deposits from the digestive system in the form of toxins or toxins.

The tannins contained in the fruit stimulate the acceleration of metabolism, creating favorable conditions for burning body fat. For people resorting to a diet for weight loss, it is useful to eat 100 g of fresh berries in the morning, fresh juice can have a similar effect. At lunchtime or for dinner, it is useful to use a combination of cranberries and sauerkraut.

The benefits of frozen cranberries

Frozen cranberries practically do not lose their useful qualities and are of value to the body almost to the same extent as fresh. One of the most valuable elements contained in the fruits of this plant is tannin. This is a natural antibiotic that can have a devastating effect on pathogenic bacteria or other harmful microorganisms, disrupting their cellular structure.

Studies conducted repeatedly in various clinics confirm that tannin has the ability to enhance the effects of artificially created antibacterial agents. By the way, cranberries owe their bitter taste to him.

Separately, it is worth noting that it is in the peel of the berries that contains a large number of astringent components that have tonic properties. These elements contain a high concentration of antioxidants that can compensate for the energy costs of the body. The membrane also contains prebiotics that stabilize the intestinal microflora and improve the digestion process.

What is the use of dried cranberries

Dried cranberries are also almost as good as fresh cranberries.This is due to benzoic acid contained in its composition, which contributes to the preservation of beneficial elements. Due to this property, dried fruits are widely used not only for medical purposes, but also in cosmetology.

The richness of vitamins contained in dried berries, allows you to use them not only for prevention, but also for the treatment of scurvy as the main drug. However, it is worth noting that dried cranberries have a high energy value and are not suitable for use in diets.

Cranberry juice: benefits and harms

The beneficial qualities of cranberry juice are manifested due to the high concentration of various beneficial minerals in its composition. For example, cobalt provides a stable course of enzymatic reactions that occur in the digestive system of each person. In addition, it is able to stabilize the reactions of the nervous system.

And such an element as manganese is responsible for the normal growth of the child's body and is responsible for the functional stability of the sex glands in the adult body. Also, copper and molybdenum, which are also found in cranberry juice, are also of great benefit. You can provide the body with useful elements, provided that the daily consumption of cranberry juice will be from 2 to 3 glasses.

The benefits of cranberries in sugar

Cranberries in sugar are a complete source containing ascorbic acid, whose presence is of great importance when autumn cold comes, and with them colds and viral infections. In addition, sweet food contains one of the rarest vitamins - PP, this element serves as a conductor for the effective absorption of vitamin C. The sugar berries also contain natural antibiotics called phytoncides and serve as excellent preventive measures for people suffering from indigestion.

Is cranberry compote useful?

If cranberry compote is cooked in accordance with all the rules, then it will become a source of not only a large number of minerals, but also retain a fair amount of vitamins. Such a drink will be very useful as a tonic, and also retain the ability to activate immunity. Its merits will be fully appreciated with the onset of the autumn-winter period, when there will be a threat of colds and viral infections. Among other things, it has excellent taste, allowing you to combine the useful with the pleasant.

Useful properties of cranberry leaves

It is known that cranberry leaves are hardly inferior to ripe berries in their healing properties. They have long been used in folk medicine, making medicinal tinctures or decoctions, using as lotions to relieve swelling or for antiseptic purposes. Cooked drugs will have a healing effect in the treatment of rheumatism. In cases of inflammation of the throat or oral cavity, the product made is used to rinse.

Tea boiled from cranberry leaves has many beneficial properties. It can be used equally well for migraines or heartburn, and to reduce shortness of breath.

Cranberries in medicine

Due to the concentrated content of various biologically active substances in cranberries, it has long been used in medicine. If ancient healers collected information only by observation, using the trial and error method, then modern specialists have the opportunity to carry out laboratory studies, establishing facts that are not in doubt.

However, as a result of research, it was possible to confirm many useful qualities attributed to the berry earlier, due to which it is still widely used in medicine today. On the one hand, it is used as a reliable prophylactic against various diseases. On the other hand, it serves as a rich source of various useful elements in the manufacture of complex medical products.

With diabetes

More recently, medical researchers have found that cranberry fruits can lower the glucose in the blood of type 2 diabetics. In this case, type 1 diabetics can use cranberries without the risk of increasing blood sugar.

During the experiment, voluntary patients consumed cranberry juice one glass a day. The results were quite comforting, it turned out that cranberry juice has an effective ability to stimulate the pancreas, and also reduces the level of bad cholesterol.

Today, patients with diabetes are recommended to consume a glass of cranberry juice during the day in limited portions. It can be mixed with other drinks as well as dishes. The most attractive taste is possessed by a mix of kefir with cranberry berries in a ratio of 3 to 1.

Important: Cranberry Glycemic Index - 45 units.

With pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a very complex disorder that requires the patient to follow a strict diet to avoid exacerbations. In this situation, the red list also opened for cranberries due to the high content of various acids and essential oils. These components cause irritation on the walls of the stomach, stimulating the release of gastric and pancreatic juice, which in turn exacerbates the inflammatory processes in the pancreas. It is curious that not only fresh berries, but also all its derivatives have similar qualities. This information leads to unequivocal conclusions that the acute phase of the disease involves the exclusion of cranberries from the diet.

With gastritis

The main cause of gastritis is a decrease in the acidity of gastric juice. In this situation, cranberries can become an excellent ally, capable of not only increasing acidity in the stomach, but also inhibiting the spread of Helicobacter, the bacterium that causes this disease. The reason for suppressing the activity of pathogens is the antiseptic properties inherent in cranberries. However, it is worth noting that only the natural juice of the plant has healing properties. Equivalents that are sold in stores do not have this ability.

For constipation

Cranberry berries contain a large amount of fiber, which effectively copes with various intestinal disorders. With constipation, its use will help to achieve a complete cure. And for people suffering from this ailment, it is systematically recommended to use dried berries of 1 tbsp. per day. This tool is guaranteed to help get rid of problems with the stool.

With gout

Due to the richness of its composition, cranberries are able to exert a general strengthening effect on the organism weakened as a result of the disease and become an intermediary in the release of excess accumulated uric acid. Plus, it has an active response to infections spreading in the kidneys, as well as the bladder, which increases their productivity. Such an effect can have a positive effect in case of gout disease.

However, it should be borne in mind that fresh berries also contain a high concentration of various acids, which cause painful symptoms of the disease. For this reason, experts recommend using not fresh berries, but cranberry juice, in which the acid content is reduced.

For the liver

Cranberry juice can have a beneficial effect on the liver when it is treated or restored. This is due to the fact that the content of cranberry berries has an excellent diuretic effect, capable of retaining potassium in the body. Thus, cranberry juice is able to safely cleanse the liver in the presence of bad cholesterol, being one of the simplest and safest means.

To achieve the maximum result from a preventive measure, a special tool is prepared on a cranberry basis, adding a few more components. To create a prophylactic drug, cranberries, lemon and garlic are used, which are ground in a meat grinder for this purpose, and then mixed with honey. The resulting drug is taken in the morning and evening for 2 tsp. for a month. Additionally, this procedure improves overall well-being, adjusts vision, as well as hearing.

With a cold

In addition to its other advantages, cranberries have antiflogistic capabilities, which has been scientifically proven. Due to this quality, the berry, like its derivatives, is able to effectively resist various symptoms inherent in colds. This is an excellent healing and prophylactic agent in the autumn-winter period, when the influenza virus is spreading everywhere and there is a high likelihood of acute respiratory infections.

To preserve the berries for a long time, it is enough to grind with sugar or freeze in a freezer. Subsequently, such blanks will be an excellent basis for the preparation of medicinal drinks, indispensable for colds.

With hypertension

In the recent 2012, American researchers tested for the effect of cranberries on blood pressure. For this purpose, voluntary participants in the experiment took a daily serving of fresh cranberry juice for eight weeks. And scientists tracked and recorded changes in the testimony of the pressure of the participants. At the end of the experiment, the research group came to the unequivocal opinion that in the vast majority of the studied patients, the pressure indicators decreased to the nominal limit. This result served as the basis for the statement - cranberries help stabilize the pressure in patients with hypertension.

With cystitis

According to experts, cranberries are actively involved in the treatment of cystitis. In the process of experimental clinical studies, a voluntary group of patients in addition to the main medications took cranberry juice in the treatment of complex inflammation in the bladder. According to the results of the experiment, it was found that the subjects got rid of the painful symptoms much faster than other patients. For the complete disappearance of painful sensations, it took only a few days.

From edema

Future mothers suffer the most from edema in the last phase of pregnancy. To prevent or get rid of this anomaly, it is most effective to drink cranberry juice. This drink, which has a loyal (leaving potassium in the body) diuretic effect, can not only eliminate swelling of the extremities, but also charge the body with useful elements that both the expectant mother and the fetus really need.

Cranberry-based traditional medicine recipes

Traditional medicine recommends using cranberry juice with a dry cough, as well as sore throat or rheumatism. And in the treatment of colds, when it is necessary not only to bring down the heat, but also to quench your thirst, use cranberry juice (juice diluted with water). The same tool is capable of actively opposing inflammatory processes in the bladder. In order for the treatment to be not only effective, but also pleasant, it is recommended to consider several recipes.

With hypertension or atherosclerosis

For this recipe, cranberry berries (10 pcs.) Along with leaves (1 tablespoon) and one glass of water are needed. To prepare the drug, you need to brew the prepared components with a glass of boiling water in a thermos. Until full readiness, the drink is infused for 4 hours, after which it can be taken in 0.5 cups 2 times a day.

On shortness of breath

For this recipe, you need to prepare 1 tablespoon. cranberry leaves and a glass of water. To prepare the product, you need to brew the prepared leaves with a glass of boiling water and insist 30 minutes. After that, the drink is consumed in any quantities.

Skin ointment

For the recipe, use 2 tbsp. cranberry berries and 50 g of lanolin.To prepare, you need to stretch the berries, filtering the juice through cheesecloth, and dilute it with lanolin. For storage, the composition must be refrigerated. It is an effective anti-inflammatory as well as antiseptic.

For colds, dry coughs, and bronchitis

For the recipe, you should prepare a glass of freshly squeezed cranberry juice and honey. To get an effective remedy, it’s enough to mix everything well and use 1 tablespoon three times a day.

Cranberries in cosmetology

In cosmetology, the plant is used mainly as a folk remedy designed to care for the condition of the face. Cranberry composition helps to saturate the skin with all kinds of microelements both for improving the complexion of the face and for lifting. The rich content of the composition increases the elasticity of the skin, gives it softness, as well as a healthy appearance.

For face

To get an idea of ​​the composition of folk cosmetics, a universal face mask is proposed for consideration.

To get the necessary composition, you need to prepare 1 tsp. cranberry juice, 2 tsp sour cream and chicken yolk. Mix all prepared components thoroughly until a homogeneous mass is formed, after which the improvised cream is considered ready.

Before the procedure, the skin of the face must be very well cleaned and only then put a mask on it for 20 minutes. Then remove the mask, and apply a moisturizer to the face. To achieve the maximum effect, it is recommended to remove the mask after steaming the skin with a compress based on green tea. To achieve significant improvements, this procedure should be carried out 2-3 times a week for a period of 2 months. As a result, the skin on the face will gain firmness and elasticity, as well as the freshest look.

For hair

The use of cranberries for cosmetic purposes allows you to give your hair an attractive and healthy look. For this purpose, freshly squeezed cranberry juice is used, which serves as the main element in the created mask. As a filler, the pulp remaining after obtaining the juice is additionally used. It is very important that only completely ripe berries are selected for the mask, since there are not enough useful elements in unripe fruits. To obtain an effective composition, a mask recipe is proposed, which serves to increase the shine and volume of hair.

It is necessary to prepare 3 tbsp. cranberries, from which to squeeze the juice, a little parsley and 1 tbsp. olive oil. Combine cranberry juice with squeezes, olive oil and finely chopped parsley and mix well, after which the composition is considered ready. Next, thoroughly rub the resulting mask into both the hair roots and the rest of the hairline. After that, cover the hair with a plastic bag for half an hour. After time, wash off the mask with shampoo. If there is a need to strengthen the hair, then in this composition you can add 1 tbsp. honey. The proposed mask works equally for all types of hair.

Harm and contraindications

There are no harmful or poisonous substances in cranberry fruits, so the berry does not have individual harmful qualities. However, in some cases, its use is avoided due to incompatibility with the drugs used. For example, cranberries are not used when using drugs that can reduce blood coagulation. In this case, the berry can interact with the drugs, increasing their effect, which will lead to excessive bleeding. It is also not recommended to use cranberries in conjunction with substances in which there is a high content of oxalic acid. Otherwise, there will be increased excretion of derivative salts in the urine, which will cause a wave of formation of kidney stones, especially in people prone to urolithiasis.

Cranberries are not recommended for use in some forms of gastritis, which are accompanied by high secret activity. Also, do not use berries for exacerbations of an ulcer, the lesion area of ​​which has reached the duodenum 12.In addition, you should not use cranberry fruits for people who have discovered an individual intolerance to this product.

How to collect and how to store cranberries

There are three pores for picking cranberries. The first and hasty occurs in early September, at which time the fruits still do not have time to ripen, so they are laid in a warm place for full ripening. The second time is spring, when cranberries are considered the most attractive in the gastronomic sense, although it already loses its long-term storage ability. For this reason, such cranberries are processed immediately after harvest. At all other times, cranberries are suitable for collection for long-term storage.

Is it possible to freeze

Cranberries are not afraid of frost at all, after this procedure the berry practically does not lose its vitamin composition. It is able to be preserved in this way in the natural environment until spring thaws. For this reason, freezing is considered one of the most efficient storage methods.

How to dry

For drying, it is necessary to collect ripe berries, in which the internal composition of useful elements is fully formed. The procedure itself looks completely simple. To dry cranberries, choose a dry room, it can be an attic or a barn. On shelves or just on the floor, spread the canvas and pour the harvested crop onto it, after which it is dried until it dries completely. In this case, from time to time, the berries must be shaken to speed up the process, then collect the dried fruits in linen bags.

What can be cooked from cranberries: recipes

Since ancient times, cranberries have been a popular berry, so there is a huge mass of recipes for its preparation. All kinds of drinks were prepared from it, such as juices, fruit drinks or kvass, as well as jam, jelly and made jelly. Cranberry tincture was especially popular. Harvested cranberries were used in winter in salads or as a filling in pies. To get a complete picture of the different options for making a popular berry, consider a series of recipes.

Morse

To prepare a quality fruit drink, you need to take in equal proportions water and cranberry juice. First, bring the water to a boil, remove from heat and, after a short pause, dilute it with cranberry juice. This solution allows you to prepare not only a delicious drink, but also enriched with a large number of vitamins and minerals. To increase the healing and gastronomic qualities, a little honey is added to the fruit drink. However, it should be remembered that honey cannot be added to a drink that is too hot; its beneficial qualities are lost when the temperature reaches 40 degrees.

Compote

To prepare cranberry compote, you need to cook 200 g of berries, 100 g of sugar and 1 liter of water. Then the water is brought to a boil and sugar is dissolved in it. Cranberries are wrinkled in a separate bowl and added to boiling water over low heat. Compote is brought to a boil and allowed to boil for 2 minutes. Then the finished drink is removed from the heat, allowed to cool and strain.

Kissel

Kissel is quite simple to prepare, for this it is necessary to add 1 tablespoon to a boiling compote starch dissolved in a small amount of cold water. Mix well and remove from heat, mix until completely thickened.

Jam

Cranberry jam is also not at all difficult to prepare, for this it is necessary to prepare 1 kg of berries and 1.2 kg of sugar. First, cranberries are poured with cool water and allowed to infuse for half an hour. Then the water is lowered, and the pan with the fruits put on a slow fire and languish for 10 minutes. During this time, the peel on the berries should burst and release the juice. To avoid sticking to the bottom of the pan, the berries are periodically mixed.After that, sugar is added to the composition, it is well mixed and boiled for 10 minutes, the fire should be medium.

Sauce

Cranberry sauce has a sweet and sour taste and goes well with meat dishes. For its preparation, it is necessary to prepare 100 g of berries, 50 g of sugar, 50 ml of cold water and 1 tsp. starch. Then everything is simple, combine the berries with sugar and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Starch is bred in prepared water and wait for the boil. When the pan boils, add starch to it and boil it, stirring until it is completely condensed.

Jelly

For jelly, you need to cook 250 g of cranberries, 100 g of sugar, 1 tbsp. gelatin and 2 glasses of water. First of all, boil a glass of water and dilute gelatin in it well. Next, in a saucepan, crush the berries and squeeze the juice through cheesecloth. Squeeze poured into a glass of hot water, bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.

After that, the pan is removed from the heat and squeezed squeezes are squeezed out of the resulting compote using gauze. Next, a hot broth is put on fire and sugar is dissolved in it. After that, diluted gelatin is added to the composition, mixed until smooth, and removed from the heat. Only after this add cranberry juice, mix well and pour jelly into forms.

Mousse

To prepare this dessert, you must have 200 g of berries, 200 g of sugar and 60 g of semolina. The first step is to squeeze cranberry juice and remove as unnecessary. Next, the squeeze is poured with water (450 ml) and after boiling it is boiled for 10 minutes. Next, the squeezes are filtered out, and sugar is dissolved in the broth over a fire. Semolina is carefully introduced into boiling water and boiled for 10 minutes. Next, the composition is cooled, beat well, laid out in a bowl and sent to the refrigerator for 4 hours.

Paste

To prepare this recipe, you need to prepare 1 kg of cranberries, 800 g of sugar and 200 g of water. Cranberries are poured with cool water and simmered until soft berries are obtained. Then they grind through a sieve, pour sugar and set on a slow fire. Cook until the composition thickens. At the end, the resulting mashed potatoes are placed on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and dried in the oven. The finished marshmallow is twisted into a roll, wrapped with paper and stored in the refrigerator.

Wine

To make wine, you must have 1 kg of cranberries, 3 kg of sugar and 7 liters of pure water. At the beginning, it is necessary to make a starter, for this, grind cranberries with 0.5 kg of sugar, knead well, put in a suitable dish, fill with water and cover with gauze. The preparation is insisted in a darkened warm place for 5 days. After the specified time, the pulp will pop up. The resulting wort is carefully filtered and poured into a container for fermentation. Then add the remaining sugar, mix, install a water seal and leave it in a warm place for fermentation for 4 days.

At the end of the period, 2 l of wort is drained, 1.5 kg of sugar is dissolved in it, poured back and a water seal is placed. After 3 days, the procedure is repeated. Cranberry wine fermentation requires an average of 6-7 weeks. When it wakes up, it is poured into a bottle with a hose, carefully so as not to disturb the sediment. After this, the wine is insisted for 3 months and consumed.

Cranberries in sugar

To cook cranberries in sugar, it is recommended to choose the largest fruits. The recipe requires 1 kg of cranberries, one lemon, one egg and three glasses of powdered sugar. Egg white is released into a ceramic or enameled bowl and mixed with 1 tbsp. lemon juice. Next, add 3 tbsp. icing sugar and beat with a whisk, gradually adding icing sugar. Continue until the mixture acquires a viscous consistency. After that, cranberries are added to the finished glaze and gently mixed by hand. In the remaining powder, glazed cranberries are rolled in portions and spread on parchment spread in a baking sheet.Then, in an oven preheated to 50 degrees, the product is dried for 50 minutes.

How much can you eat cranberries per day

Although there are no medical restrictions on cranberry consumption, you need to know that excessive consumption of this berry leads to an increase in acidity in the stomach, which can cause some discomfort. You should also use normalized intake for people suffering from disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, so as not to cause relapses.

In addition, it should be remembered that dried fruits have a high energy value, and their excessive consumption can lead to obesity. To maintain the body in good shape, it is recommended to consume 100-200 g of fresh cranberry fruit per day.

Can I eat at night or on an empty stomach

Very often, cranberries or their derivatives are recommended to be used on an empty stomach before eating directly. They are able to stimulate the activity of the stomach and increase appetite. If we are talking about taking at night, then it is recommended to use berries in various combinations. The most attractive will be cranberries, in a composition with sauerkraut.

Can cranberries be given to animals

Animals will react differently to cranberry fruits, because cats or dogs, with a high degree of probability, simply will not eat it. True, some dogs are very fond of sweets and probably will not refuse cranberries in sugar. In this case, you should know that a dog’s stomach may not be able to cope with a large portion of berries, it is designed to process other foods.

Another thing is rodents or birds that will gladly accept such a treat. Provided that this is not the main food, but only an addition to the daily diet, there are no special restrictions on cranberries. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that if the cranberry fruits for some reason fermented, then they are contraindicated in animals.

Cranberry Interesting Facts

The first settlers on the European mainland began to call cranberries Craneberry, which literally means crane berry. This name appeared due to the special shape of cranberry flowers, which in shape are vaguely reminiscent of a cranial neck. Cranberries got another name in the 17th century in the open spaces of New England, here they began to call it “Bearberries”, which means a bear berry. She got this name because of the frequent eating of berries by bears.

On the territory of our country, it is often referred to as the "northern berry." The reason was the predominant growth of the plant in the northern regions. For medical purposes, they use both fresh cranberry fruits and those harvested with the onset of frost. Cranberries acquire the most attractive taste during the spring thaw. At this time, it is rich in citric acid, but completely loses its concentration of vitamins.

Cranberry photo