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Article: Cranberries, our holiday season's sparkling gem.(EN on Foods)
- Article from:
- Environmental Nutrition
- Article date:
- November 1, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 Belvoir Media Group, LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The Folklore. Presented as a welcoming gift to the Pilgrims by Native Americans, the cranberry was likely served at the very first Thanksgiving feast in 1621. The settlers called the vibrant red fruit crane berries, because the blossoms resemble the head and bill of the cranes that frequented cranberry bogs. An important food source, Native Americans also used this brightly colored berry to dye blankets and weavings, and made medicinal poultices from brewed cranberries.
The Facts. The cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon L.), brilliant red and tart, is a cousin of the blueberry and huckleberry. It provides a healthy dose of vitamin C and is a good source of dietary ...