 The cranberry is a relative of the blueberry and huckleberry.  The Pequot Indians of Cape Cod called the berry “ibimi”, meaning bitter berry. They combined crushed cranberries with dried venison and fat to make pemmican. Other tribes called it sassamanash.  The Pilgrims did not start cultivating cranberries until 1816.  American and Canadian sailors on long voyages ate cranberries to protect themselves from scurvy.  Another name for cranberries is “bounceberries” because they bounce when ripe.  Native Americans and Pilgrims used cranberries as a red dye. Health Benefits:  Today, cranberry sauce is an essential part of the American and  Very good source of vitamin C, Canadian Thanksgiving celebrations. fiber and manganese: also good source of vitamin E, K, copper and  The first recorded use of the word “cranberries” appeared in 1647 in a pantothenic acid letter written by missionary John Eliot.  Outranks nearly every fruit and  The first commercial canned cranberry sauce was put on the market by vegetable in disease fighting antioxidants Cape Cod Cranberry Company in 1912.  Treats urinary tract infections  Wisconsin is the nation’s #1 cranberry producer.  Fights cancers and heart disease  Helps kidney and bladder  Only 5% of cranberries are sold fresh. The remaining 95% are turned problems into cranberry juice, cranberry sauce and other cranberry products.  Prevents dental problems  Promotes weight loss  Cranberry juice was first made in the 1600’s. Today it is a popular folk  Anti-aging properties remedy used to prevent and treat urinary tract infections.  Improves mental health  Strengthens immune system  Relieves skin conditions

SELECTING Choose cranberries that are shiny, plump and firm to the touch. Avoid Ingredients: cranberries that are shriveled or have brown spots. 2 (3 ounce) packages cherry gelatin 2 cups boiling water STORING 1 (8 ¾ ounce) can crushed pineapple Fresh cranberries stored in a tightly sealed plastic bag will last up to two 1 (1 lb.) can whole berry cranberry sauce months in the refrigerator. Cooked 1 cup sour cream cranberries can last up to a month in a covered container in the fridge. Freeze Directions: clean, whole berries in an airtight bag up to 1 year. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water, stir in pineapple. Chill until partially set. Fold in cranberry sauce. Spoon into a 8x8x2 inch pan. PREPARING Spoon sour cream on top. Stir through to marble. Chill until firm. Cranberries are rarely eaten raw as they are hard and tart. Simplest way to use fresh cranberries is to cook them Makes 6-8 servings up into a sauce.