CRANBERRY FRUIT

A glass of cranberry juice is all one needs, to walk down the road to good health. With this write-up, catch upon salient facts about cranberry. The name cranberry derives from "craneberry", first named by early European settlers in America. They felt the expanding flower, stem, calyx, and petals resembled the neck, head, and beak of a crane. Another name used in north-east Canada is mossberry. The traditional English name for Vaccinium oxycoccos, fen berry, originated from plants found growing in fen(marsh) lands. In North America, Native Americans were the first to use cranberries as food. They used cranberries in a variety of foods, especially for pemmican, wound medicine and dye, calling the red berries Sassamanash. Algonquian people may have introduced cranberries to starving English settlers in Massachusetts who incorporated the berries into traditional Thanksgiving feasts. In 1550, James White Norwood made reference to Red Indians using cranberries. In James Raiser’s book "The Land of Virginia" there is an account of Europeans coming ashore and being met with Indians bearing bark cups full of cranberries. In 1816 American Revolutionary, war veteran Henry Hall is credited as first to farm cranberries in the Cape Cod town of Dennis. In 1667, New Englanders sent King Charles 10 barrels of cranberries, 3 barrels of codfish and some Indian corn as a means of appeasement for his anger over their local coining of the Pine Tree shilling. In 1820s cranberries were shipped to Europe. Cranberries became popular for wild harvesting in the Nordic countries and Russia. In Scotland, the berries were originally wild-harvested but with the loss of suitable habitat, the plants have become so scarce that this is no longer done. Biological names: Vaccinium Erythrocarpum, Vaccinium Macrocarpon, Vaccinium Microcarpum, Vaccinium Oxycoccos. Cranberries are a group of evergreen dwarf shrubs or trailing vines in the subgenus Oxycoccus of the genus Vaccinium. In some methods of classification, Oxycoccus is regarded as a genus in its own right. They can be found in acidic bogs throughout the cooler regions of the northern hemisphere. A range of the cranberries is Red. Common Cranberry is Orange; and small Cranberry is green. Since the early 21st century within the global functional food industry, raw cranberries have been marketed as a "super fruit" due to their nutrient contents and antioxidant qualities. There are three to four species of cranberry, classified in two sections: Subgenus Oxycoccus, sect.Oxycoccus • Vaccinium oxycoccos or Oxycoccus palustris (Common Cranberry or Northern Cranberry) is widespread throughout the cool temperate northern hemisphere, including northern Europe, northern Asia and northern North America. It has small 5–10 mm leaves. The flowers are dark pink, with a purple central spike, produced on finely hairy stems. The fruit is a small pale pink berry, with a refreshing sharp acidic flavour. • Vaccinium microcarpum or Oxycoccus microcarpus (Small Cranberry) occurs in northern North America, northern Europe and northern Asia, and differs from V. oxycoccos in the leaves being more triangular, and the flower stems hairless. Some botanists include it within V. oxycoccos. • Vaccinium macrocarpon or Oxycoccus macrocarpus (Large cranberry, American Cranberry, Bearberry) native to northern North America across Canada, and eastern United States, south to North Carolina at high altitudes). It differs from V. oxycoccos in the leaves being larger, 10–20 mm long, and in its slightly apple-like taste. Subgenus Oxycoccus, sect. Oxycoccoides • Vaccinium erythrocarpum or Oxycoccus erythrocarpus (Southern Mountain Cranberry) native to southeastern North America at high altitudes in the southern Appalachian Mountains, and also in eastern Asia. Cranberries are related to bilberries, blueberries, and huckleberries, all in Vaccinium subgenus Vaccinium. These differ in having stouter, woodier stems forming taller shrubs, and in the bell-shaped flowers, the petals not being refluxed. Cranberry vines are propagated by moving vines from an established bed. The vines are spread on the surface of the sand of the new bed and pushed into the sand with a blunt disk. The vines are watered frequently during the first few weeks until roots form and new shoots grow. Beds are given frequent light application of nitrogen fertilizer during the first year. Cranberries are harvested (in cold countries) the fall when the fruit takes on its distinctive deep red color. This is usually in September through the first part of November. To harvest cranberries, the beds are flooded with six to eight inches of water above the vines. A harvester is driven through the beds to remove the fruit from the vines. For the past 50 years, water reel type harvesters have been used. Harvested cranberries float in the water and can be collected into a corner of the bed and conveyed or pumped from the bed. From the farm, cranberries are taken to receiving stations where they are cleaned, sorted, and stored prior to packaging or processing. White cranberry juice is made from regular cranberries that have been harvested after the fruits are mature, but before they have attained their characteristic dark red color. Yields are lower on beds harvested early and the early flooding tends to damage vines, but not severely. Cranberries for fresh market are stored in shallow bins or boxes with perforated or slatted bottoms. About 95% of cranberries are processed into products such as juice drinks, sauce, and sweetened dried cranberries. The remaining is sold fresh to consumers. Cranberries are normally considered too sharp to be eaten plain and raw, as they are not only sour but bitter as well. Cranberry juice is a major use of cranberries; it is usually either sweetened to make "cranberry juice cocktail" or blended with other fruit juices to reduce its natural severe tartness. Many cocktails, including the Cosmopolitan, are made with cranberry juice. Usually cranberries as fruit are cooked into a compote or jelly, known as cranberry sauce. Fresh cranberries can be frozen at home, and preserved up to nine months; they can be used directly in recipes without thawing. Cranberry wine is made in some of the cranberry-growing regions of the United States and Canada from whole cranberries, cranberry juice or cranberry juice concentrate. Raw cranberries have moderate levels of Vitamin C, dietary fiber and the essential dietary mineral, manganese, as well as a balanced profile of other essential micronutrients in minor amounts. Raw cranberries are a source of polyphenol antioxidants, phytochemicalsunder active research for possible benefits to the cardiovascular system and immune system, and as anti-cancer agents, such as in isolated prostate cancer cells. However, it is uncertain whether polyphenols and flavonoids account for the benefits of diets rich in plant-derived foods. Cranberry juice contains a high molecular weight non-dialyzable material that might inhibit formation of plaque by Streptococcus matins pathogens that cause tooth decay. Cranberry juice components also may possibly influence formation of kidney stones. There is potential benefit of cranberry juice consumption (300 mL of cranberry juice per day) against bacterial infections in the urinary system. Laboratory research shows that a possible effect may occur from a component of the juice inhibiting bacterial attachment to the bladder and urethra. The effect may not result from the acidic nature of polyphenols but possibly to a specific A type proanthocyanidin which is thought to inhibit adherence of Escherichia coli and other fabricated bacteria to uroepithelial cells. Although promising for anti-bacterial activity, long-term consumption of cranberry juice has not been adequately proven to reduce urinary tract infections. However, there is preliminary evidence for possible effects against urinary tract infections in women. Similar applications have not been successfully proven in other clinical trials of consuming cranberry juice or tablets by people with spinal cord injury associated with bladder catheterization, neurogenic bladder or infrequent urination, any of which may be associated with increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. Laboratory studies indicate that extracts containing cranberry may have anti-aging effects, such as one in which dietary supplementation of Caenorhabditis elegans increased lifespan. One study found lower serum glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients consuming cranberry juice compared to a control group. In one pilot study, cranberry juice consumption of two cups per day increased plasma antioxidant capacity and decreased oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Cranberry sales in the United States have traditionally been associated with holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Until the 1930s most of the crop was sold fresh. There is a Cranberry Marketing Committee of the United States of America; an organization that represents 100% of the United States cranberry handlers in four marketing order districts. The Cranberry Marketing Committee currently runs promotional programs in the United States, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, Australia, Switzerland, France, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, and Mexico. --o-- Cranberry as such is not grown in India. But a fruit of almost all similar quality excluding the shape, is naturally grown in India called karaunda in Hindi The shape of both the fruits/berries is quite different. Cranberry is red in colour and cherry like shape. karaunda is red and white as well as green colour and shape like a small egg. Indian Languages: Karaunda (Hindi), Karamarda (Sanskrit) Karaunda (Punjabi), names Kalaakai (Tamil), Karamcha (Bengali), Kararmarda (Gujarati), Karekayi (Kannada), Karimulali (Malayalam) Sushena (Oriya), Kalive (Telugu) It is almost impossible to resist this fruit that looks and tastes equally good. A small, glossy, elegant, red and inviting fruit that has the ability to allurecan provide you with. Let your heart be content and your body thankful for these fruits as they are aimed to provide you with numerous nutritional benefits and advantages. Yes, it is the cranberry. It can be eaten raw or consumed as juice. Cranberries are said to have originated in northern regions of America and can be used in the dyeing and drug industry. Delve into the pool can help in improving blood circulation. History By the end of the 20th century, the demand for these fruits reached an all-time high. Health Benefits of Cranberry Hip uric acid and proanthycyanins, two chemical compounds present in cranberries, keep harmful bacteria such as E.coli from adhering to the cells of the bladder. These chemicals are known to provide protection from urinary tract infections. Other body surfaces such as the teeth and gums can also be preserved with the help of cranberries, as they can prevent the formation of cavities. It has been said that some infections cured by cranberry juice do not have pharmaceutical antibiotics for their treatment. Another most important advantage of cranberry consumption is the cardiovascular benefits that it provides. The powerful combination of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients in cranberry are the main reason behind this. Cranberries have a rare ability to detoxify harmful organisms while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, otherwise known as pro-biotics. For people suffering from recurrent kidney stone formations, cranberry juice acts as a supplement food. Quinic acid, in this fruit, is not broken down by the body and is thus excreted. This process acidifies the urine enough to prevent the aggregation of calcium to form stones. Studies show that although cranberries do not lower the LDL cholesterol, they increase the HDL levels. The ‘good’ cholesterol further helps in improving the functioning of blood vessels and thus prevents any chances of a heart attack. Patients suffering from atherosclerosis can improve their health by including cranberries or cranberry juice in their regular diet. Phenols, the powerful antioxidants found in cranberries, are effective in preventing skin health degeneration, an affliction of the eyes that affects seniors, and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that phenols also prevent various types of cancers such as liver, lung, prostate, cervical and breast without negatively affecting any other healthy cells. For people suffering from excess flab, cranberry juice contains high levels of organic acids that have an emulsifying effect upon fat deposits. Consumption of cranberry juice is known to inhibit Haemophilus influenza, a bacterium that causes respiratory infection in children. These microorganisms are also responsible for up to 40% of middle ear problems. The anti-inflammatory property of cranberries has made it one of the most sought after fruits in the world. The presence of phytonutrients has been implemental in lowering the risk of unwanted inflammations. Additionally, it lowers the risk of periodontal diseases too. According to recent studies, the intake of cranberries is effective in improving immunity in the body. Cranberry extracts alleviates the frequency of cold and flu symptoms. Cranberries are said to possess several anti-cancer properties. Some of them include blocked expression of MMPs (matrix metalloproteinase’s); inhibition of ODC (ornithine decarboxylase enzymes); stimulation of QRs (quinine reeducates enzymes); inhibition of CYP2C9s (Phase I detoxification enzymes) and triggering of apoptosis (programmed cell death) in tumor cells. Cranberries have about 46 calories per 100 gm of weight. Although cranberries are seasonal they are still available all year long, courtesy – cold storage! It is difficult to pick one cranberry at a time; they are usually sold in 12 ounce plastic bags. Here, the high quality cranberries are sorted out from the low quality ones before harvesting itself. Apart from this, they may also be available in pint containers. To select the ideal cranberries, look for fruits that are firm to touch, shiny and plump with a colour ranging from bright to light to dark red. Avoid those with brown spots on them. Deeper the color, better the quality of the berry. Dried cranberries, similar to raisins, and canned cranberries sauce are also available. Cranberries Storage Tips Fresh cranberries can be stored for a good 2 months by putting them into a tightly sealed plastic bag and placing it in the refrigerator. However, before storing, pick out any soft, discoloured or shriveled cranberries. Cooked cranberries can be placed inside an airtight container and then refrigerated. This can last for up to a month, without spoiling. If small amounts of liquor are added to the cooked mixture, it can last for almost a year. Finally, frozen cranberries can be kept for more than year but it must be washed, dried and placed in airtight containers first. www.breezerindia.com