Wisconsin Cranberries

by | Feb 20, 2014 | Nutrition, Simple Tips

Cranberry Photo

POSITIVELY GOOD EATING — AND GOOD FOR YOU

The tart, tangy cranberry with a big, healthy bounce has strong ties to the state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin produces more cranberries than any other state in the nation and produces more than half of the entire world’s supply of the bouncing berry.

POSITIVELY GOOD FOR WISCONSIN’S ECONOMY

Wisconsin’s cranberry industry also has a strong impact on the state’s economy as it is the state’s No. 1 fruit crop in both value and acreage. The cranberry industry currently provides nearly $300 million annually to the state’s economy and supports approximately 3,400 jobs across the state.

POSITIVELY GOOD FOR YOU

Cranberries pack a powerful – and healthy – punch! Recent studies show that the tart, red berry is a unique, good-for-you fruit that offers a wide variety of health benefits. Not only are cranberries a healthy, low-calorie snack, but they can also play a significant role in preventing urinary tract infections, reducing the risk of gum disease and much more.

Other cranberry health facts:

  • Cranberries and cranberry products contain significant amounts of antioxidants that may help protect against heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
  • Cranberries may be beneficial in the prevention of ulcers, which are linked to stomach cancer and acid reflux disease.
  • Cranberries contain hippuric acid, which has antibacterial effects on the body, as well as natural antibiotic ingredients.

Spring time brings different occasions for family get-togethers like Easter, Graduations, birthdays, etc.  My kids love punch and cookies and I find that many adults do too!  Here are some recipes that are yummy and worth a try at your next gathering…..and they have cranberries!

Cranberry/Raspberry Sherbet Punch

  • 1 (48 oz) cranberry-strawberry juice drink, chilled
  • 2 cans of frozen orange juice
  • 2 cans of frozen lemonade
  • 1 (48 oz) cranberry-raspberry juice
  • 1 (48oz) cranberry-grape juice
  • 1/2 gallon sherbet (let thaw 1 hour before mixing)
  • 1 (2 liter) bottle of 7-Up
  • Mix ingredients together, adding 1/2 the water per can of frozen juices that is required. Spoon in sherbet

 

 

 Cranberry & Vanilla Chip Cookies(2010 WI State Fair Winner)1/2 Cup Butter, softened1-1/3 Cups Sugar

2 Eggs

1-3/4 Cup Flour

1 Cup Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

1-1/2 tsp Baking Soda

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 Cup Sweetened, Dried Cranberries

2/3 Cup White Vanilla Chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl combine butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and mix. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Stir in cranberries and vanilla chips. Mix. Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheet. Bake 9 – 11 minutes to until edges aer golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack. Makes 4 dozen.