Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (2024)

Fresh cranberry recipes for the 2023 cranberry harvest ~ from muffins, cakes and pies, to jam, jelly, and meatballs for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond.

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (1)

when will we see fresh cranberries in the supermarkets in 2023?

They’re hitting the stores now!! Fresh cranberries are so special we only see them briefly each year ~ only in stores for about 6-8 weeks. Of course you can find frozen cranberries all year round, but true cranberry fanatics (raising hand) get super excited about the tart vibrant FRESH fruit every year.

This year’s crop is bigger than the past few years ~ yay! But less than 5% of the cranberries grown in the US are served up fresh, the rest get juiced or dried. The 2023 crop is being harvested right now and the berries will be hitting the shelves in week 1 and 2 of October. Ask your produce manager if you don’t see them.

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (2)

did you know?

  • cranberries are one of many fruits native to North America (along with blueberries and Concord grapes, for example) They grow in bogs in the northern regions of the United States and Canada.
  • only about 3% of the annual cranberry crop is sold fresh, the rest gets canned and bottled.
  • fresh cranberries can bounce! This is why they are sometimes called “bounceberries.” In the past, growers would bounce them to determine if they were ripe; a fully ripe cranberry can bounce up to 4 inches high.
  • cranberries are insanely healthy ~ they’re low calorie, high fiber, high in vitamin C and cancer fighting antioxidants.
  • fresh cranberries can reduce the need for antibiotics in women with UTIs due to their high levels of proanthocyanidins, which can prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls.
  • yes you CAN eat cranberries raw! Pulse them into a relish, or blend up into a super nutritious smoothie.
  • cranberries freeze beautifully, just throw the bags in the freezer, they’ll keep all the way ’til next cranberry season.
  • fresh cranberries are good for so much more than sauce…just scroll down and see!
Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (3)

cranberry health benefits?

Cranberries are considered a superfood because of their many proven and potential health benefits!

  1. Antioxidant Rich: Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants, which protect cells from damage.
  2. Urinary Tract Health: They help prevent urinary tract infections by inhibiting bacterial adhesion.
  3. Heart Health: Cranberries can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve cholesterol levels.
  4. Digestive Aid: They’re a good source of fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut.
  5. Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest cranberries may inhibit cancer cell growth.
  6. Anti-Inflammatory: They have anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
  7. Oral Health: Cranberries inhibit harmful mouth bacteria, reducing gum disease and cavities.
  8. Weight Management: Their fiber content promotes a feeling of fullness, aiding weight management.
  9. Skin Health: Cranberry antioxidants protect skin from UV damage and pollutants.
Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (4)

our favorite fresh cranberry recipes

This is what you do with those bags of crimson gems you score in October through December. And then you keep on making them throughout the rest of the year with frozen berries!

  • Cranberry Breakfast Recipes
  • Cranberry Dessert Recipes
  • Cranberry Preserve and Sauce Recipes
  • Savory Cranberry Recipes
Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (5)

CRANBERRY RECIPES FOR BREAKFAST

Fresh Cranberry Muffins

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (6)

Cranberry Orange Cake

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (7)

Cranberry Cleanse Smoothie

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (8)

Cranberry Walnut Wild Rice Porridge (Mahnomin Porridge)

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (9)

Cranberry Breakfast Cake

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (10)

The BEST Cranberry Orange Bread

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (11)

Fresh Cranberry White Chocolate Scones

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (12)
Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (13)

CRANBERRY DESSERT RECIPES

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (14)

Chocolate Cake with Cranberry Buttercream

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (15)

Cranberry Apple Crisp

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (16)

Cranberry Gingersnap Pie

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (17)

Cranberry Crumble Tart

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (18)

No Churn Cranberry Ice Cream

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (19)

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (20)

Cranberry Whipped Cream

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (21)

Fresh Cranberry Bars

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (22)

Cranberry Walnut Shortbread Bars

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (23)

Scandinavian Rice Pudding with Cranberries

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (24)
Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (25)

CRANBERRY PRESERVES & SAUCES

Maple Cranberry Butter in 15 minutes!

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (26)

Hot Pepper Cranberry Jam

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (27)

Easy Mulled Cranberry Jelly

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (28)

Cranberry Relish with Horseradish and Sour Cream

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (29)

Spiced Rum Cranberry Sauce

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (30)

Easy Crock Pot Cranberry Butter

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (31)

Microwave Cranberry Curd

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (32)
Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (33)

SAVORY CRANBERRY RECIPES

Cranberry Glazed Pork Roast

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (34)

Cranberry Cornbread

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (35)

Brats with Spicy Cranberry Relish

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (36)

Cranberry co*cktail Meatballs

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (37)

Baked Brie with Maple Roasted Cranberries

Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (38)
Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (39)

fresh cranberry faqs

When can you find cranberries in the grocery store?

  • During cranberry season (mid September through December) you’ll find them fresh, in plastic bags, in the produce section. Every store locates them differently, so ask if you don’t spot them. You can usually find frozen cranberries year round in the freezer aisle.Add image

What is the best way to store fresh cranberries?

  • They’re pretty hardy so they’ll last up to a month in the refrigerator. They can be kept in their original packaging or in a breathable container. Do not wash them until you’re ready to use them.

How can I freeze my cranberries?

  • Rinse and dry them thoroughly. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking tray and put the tray in the freezer until the berries are frozen solid. Transfer to a heavy duty freezer zip lock bag and press out any excess air before sealing. You can also simply throw bags of fresh cranberries right into your freezer.

Can I eat fresh cranberries raw?

  • Yes! Contrary to popular belief, you can eat raw cranberries, although they are very tart.

Can I substitute dried cranberries for fresh cranberries in recipes?

  • It really depends on the recipe. You can substitute dried cranberries in some baked goods, but in most fresh cranberry recipes I would stick to the fresh.

Can I use fresh cranberries to make homemade cranberry juice?

  • Yes, you can make homemade cranberry juice by simmering fresh cranberries with water and sugar, then straining the mixture. You can adjust the sweetness and dilution to your preference.

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Fresh Cranberry Recipes for 2023! (2024)

FAQs

How long can you keep fresh cranberries in the refrigerator? ›

Fresh cranberries are usually good stored in the refrigerator for two weeks. If kept longer, you will find a gradual deterioration of quality with more soft or bruised berries. Berries can be stored in the original packaging in the refrigerator crisper for up to four weeks.

How many raw cranberries should I eat a day? ›

HOW MUCH CRANBERRIES TO EAT DAILY? Studies confirming the health-promoting properties of cranberries have typically used doses of 100-300 g of fresh cranberries, equivalent to 7-10 g of dried cranberries, and 100-150 ml of 100% cranberry juice.

Why are there no fresh cranberries this year? ›

Cranberry growers experienced cold temperatures, with below-normal precipitation and above-normal snowfall during the winter months. In Wisconsin and Massachusetts, the winter freeze and early snow affected plant dormancy and froze out buds, the release said.

Can you freeze fresh cranberries? ›

Cranberries freeze well when properly stored. They retain their color, good flavor and quality for eight to 12 months. Maintaining a temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit or below is recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

What is the best way to store fresh cranberries? ›

Cranberries can be stored in the refrigerator up to three (3) months if they are kept in their original plastic packaging or in an airtight, sealed container. Left in the open air, at room temperature, cranberries quickly lose their freshness.

How do you preserve fresh cranberries? ›

Berries can be stored in the original packaging in the refrigerator crisper for up to 4 weeks. Cranberries can also be stored frozen for up to one year. To use after freezing, rinse in cold water and drain well.

Are cranberries healthier than blueberries? ›

The cranberry is also a contender when it comes to antioxidant content. While wild blueberries outperform them when it comes to measuring both antioxidant capacity and cellular antioxidant activity, cranberries pack their own health punch.

What does raw cranberries do for your body? ›

Cranberries are well known for being rich in antioxidants. One study found that among 20 common fruits, cranberries have the highest level of phenols, a type of antioxidant. The anthocyanins found in cranberries may have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.

Are cranberries anti-inflammatory? ›

Cranberries have anti-inflammatory effects, thanks to their high amounts of antioxidants, especially anthocyanins and flavanols, which give cranberries their dark hue. “Antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases because they can help lower inflammation in our bodies,” says O'Neill.

What 2 states grow the most cranberries? ›

Most cranberries come from Wisconsin and Massachusetts

The United States is the world's leading cranberry producer, followed by Canada and Chile.

Why can't you buy cranberries? ›

Fresh cranberries are harvested in the fall and are usually only available at your local grocery store from October through December. Fortunately, cranberries can be frozen for up to a year, so remember to stock up with an extra bag or two around the holidays to use throughout the year.

Why can't I buy fresh cranberries? ›

Why can't I find fresh cranberries year round? Fresh U.S. cranberries are only harvested in the fall and are available at your local grocery store from September through January.

What is the healthiest way to eat cranberries? ›

The best way to consume cranberries

Or you can purchase already frozen cranberries in your grocery store. If you're wondering how to use cranberries in your diet, some healthy ideas are to throw fresh or frozen cranberries into smoothies, oatmeal, salsa, or granola.

Do cranberries get mushy after freezing? ›

If cranberries are frozen then removed from the freezer then thawed, they will have a soft texture and are usable for cooking and baking. Adding frozen cranberries to recipes is often recommended.

Can I freeze a bag of fresh cranberries? ›

Cranberries freeze well when properly stored. They retain their color, good flavor and quality for eight to 12 months. Maintaining a temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit or below is recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

How long do fresh uncooked cranberries last? ›

How Long Fresh Cranberries Will Last. If stored correctly, fresh cranberries will last in the refrigerator for three to four weeks. If you opted to freeze them, they'll keep well for up to a year. When frozen, you can use them straight from the freezer without defrosting.

Does cranberry need to be refrigerated after opening? ›

Most fruit juices follow similar food safety guidelines when it comes to shelf life and storage. Always keep cranberry juice in the refrigerator once you have opened it, ideally in an airtight container such as the bottle or carton it was sold in.

How do you know if cranberry juice has gone bad? ›

Cranberry juice has a bright red color. If you find an old bottle in your pantry and that color looks closer to brown than red, it's most likely expired and shouldn't be thrown out. But if you're storing it in the fridge and its color is still intact, then you should turn to its smell to tell you what you need to know.

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