The dry, sour taste of cranberries makes many people refrain from using it in the kitchen. However, it is worth checking out its characteristic bitterness, especially if we are looking for ways to strengthen our body in the autumn and winter season. Cranberries are a fruit that we appreciate due to its versatility and nutritional properties.
Cranberries contain nutrients such as: fiber, vitamin C, E, K, B6, manganese, copper, iodine, potassium and pantothenic acid. It also contains polyphenols, i.e. antioxidants. Thanks to this, it has many health properties that encourage us to introduce it to our diet.
First of all, cranberries show positive effect on the urinary system. It prevents the growth of bacteria and yeast and also has a diuretic and cleansing effect. For this reason, it helps with urinary tract inflammation. Moreover, it can destroy even those microorganisms that are resistant to antibiotics. It is also recommended for kidney stones – it dissolves them and helps relieve painful attacks of neural colic.
The content of polyphenols, in turn, is responsible for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. It also has a positive effect on the circulatory system – it lowers blood cholesterol and helps regulate blood pressure. Regular consumption of fruit may reduce the risk of varicose veins, petechiae and bleeding.
Cranberries also support due to their vitamin C and antioxidant content functioning of the immune system. It has antifungal, antiviral and even antiallergic properties. For this reason, it should be included in our diet, especially in autumn and winter – it effectively helps fight infections.
It is also worth mentioning the positive effect of cranberries on the digestive system. Due to the large amount of fiber supports proper functioning of the intestines and prevents constipation. It also supports stomach health – it inhibits the growth of Halicobacter pylori bacteria, responsible for gastric or duodenal ulcers.
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One of the best ways to include cranberries in your diet is in the dried form – it is tasty, goes well with many sweet dishes or can be eaten on its own.. Unfortunately, many products available in stores contain additional ingredients that do not have a positive effect on our body. The large amount of sugar and the presence of preservatives make it worth drying cranberries yourself. We will then be sure that the fruit is tasty, healthy and natural.
To prepare your own dried cranberries, you will only need fresh fruit and a natural sweetener – it can be maple syrup or regular sugar. For approximately 1/2 kg of fruit, 1/4 cup of sugar is enough.
First, wash the cranberries thoroughly and place them in a large bowl. Then boil about 2 liters of water – pour boiling water over the fruit and leave for a few minutes. You should start to hear the cracking sounds of the fruit peel cracking. The next step is to strain the fruit and cover it with sugar. Mix thoroughly so that the sweetener covers each berry and proceed to drying.
We can dry cranberries in a mushroom dryer or in the oven. In the first case, just spread it evenly on the shelves and dry it for about 15 hours. After this time, the fruit should be soft but slightly chewy, just like raisins.
If we dry cranberries in the oven, we should set it to 175 degrees Celsius. Spread the cranberries evenly on a baking tray lined with baking paper and place in the oven for 10 minutes. After this time, we take it out and check its consistency. If it is still too soft, we can extend the baking time by a few minutes.
Homemade dried cranberries it is worth storing in the freezer. We will be sure that the fruit will not start to mold over time and will remain fresh for a long time. Just pack them in plastic bags and date them. This way, they will last for many months, and we will be able to enjoy a sweet snack whenever we want.
Dried cranberries are a universal snack that will go well with oatmeal, granola or yogurt. You can also prepare a home-made student mixture with it – just mix it with your favorite dried fruit.
Some people use dried cranberries as cocktail ingredient. You can mix it with yogurt, linseed and other fruits to obtain a tasty, thick drink that will strengthen your body.
Dried cranberries taste delicious in home-made baked goods, not necessarily sweet ones. You can add it to muffins, yeast cakes, bread, rolls, and in oatmeal cookies it will be a worthy substitute for raisins.
Source: bonavita.pl, allrecipes.com
