Even though it’s no longer considered a traditional part of Christmas dinner, cranberry jelly has been around since at least 1820.
It is one of our favorite sweet treats that we love to put on everything from toast to pancakes.
What Is The Origin Of The Cranberry?
Cranberries are native to the eastern United States where they were first found growing wild by Native Americans.
They have also been cultivated for thousands of years in Europe and Asia, but their popularity in North America was due to its natural production in the Northeast region of the country.
The most common variety grown today is known as “Vaccinium macrocarpon” or lowbush cranberry.
The berries grow in clusters with red, purple, pink or white skin depending on how ripe they are.
They do not ripen after picking so growers wait until they reach full maturity before harvesting them.
Once harvested, the berries are placed into barrels which are then transported to processing plants where they will undergo a process called “culling.”
During this process, each berry is cut open using a machine and all seeds and stems removed.
This leaves behind only the fleshy section that contains the juice.
Next, the remaining pulp is pressed through screens to extract any additional juices.
Finally, the juice is filtered to remove anything else that may have gotten caught during the filtering process.
Once processed, the cranberry juice is bottled and sold.
Today there are many different types of cranberry products available including jams, jellies, sauces, syrups, and even alcoholic beverages like hard cider.
In fact, cranberry sauce is one of the oldest recipes used in American cuisine.
According to the Food Network, it dates back to 1780 when President George Washington served it to guests at his home in New Jersey.
Today, cranberry sauce is still very much enjoyed.
You might find it sprinkled over salads or alongside turkey or ham dishes.
Some chefs will use it instead of pineapple as an ingredient in salad dressings because it adds a tart flavor that complements other flavors in the dish.
Cranberries are also often paired up with chocolate desserts such as brownies or bars.
If you want to add some cranberries to your holiday dessert platter, here are two wonderful ways to serve them.
First, try making a classic cranberry pie.
Second, if you prefer something sweeter than a fruit pie, try adding some fresh cranberries to homemade ice cream.
How Did Cranberries Become Popular In North America?
Cranberries have been grown in Massachusetts for over 300 years.
But they didn’t become associated with Thanksgiving until after World War II when cranberry growers began marketing them as a “healthy alternative” to other jams during the holiday season.
The first documented mention of cranberries was 1634 by John Josselyn who described its use as food.
In 1774, John Hancock wrote about cranberry juice being used as medicine for scurvy.
By this point, many people were already familiar with the fruit thanks to Native Americans who had cultivated them for centuries.
But it wasn’t until the late 19th century that American cranberry farmers started growing cranberries commercially.
And it wasn’t long before cranberries became synonymous with Thanksgiving.
The U.S.
government even passed legislation declaring November 26 as National Cranberry Marketing Month in 1926.
What Are The Benefits Of Eating Cranberries?
Cranberries have long been known as an excellent source of antioxidants (vitamins A and C), fiber, calcium, vitamin K, folate, manganese, potassium, niacin, riboflavin, phosphorus, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins B6, E, and D.
They also contain phytochemicals called proanthocyanidins which help protect against cancer.
Cranberries may even prevent urinary tract infections because they contain flavonoids like quercetin and rutin.
They are also rich in tannic acid, which helps keep bacteria from sticking to surfaces.
In fact, studies have shown that cranberries might actually improve your immune system by reducing inflammation and fighting off infection.
Other than being tasty and healthy, cranberries are so delicious that you could eat them all year round.
Are Cranberries Good For Your Health?
Cranberries have many wonderful properties that benefit both your body and mind.
They contain antioxidants which protect against free radicals in the body, they help prevent urinary tract infections, and they may even reduce blood pressure.
Cranberries also improve brain function by preventing plaque buildup in arteries.
Benefits for Your Health
- Antioxidants
- Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease
- Helps prevent urinary tract infections
- May lower blood pressure
- Supports healthy bones and teeth
- Improves memory
What Are Some Of The Best Cranberry Recipes?
Cranberries have long held a special place in American culture.
In fact, they were even used as currency during the Revolutionary War.
The reason why cranberries hold such a special place in history is because they are not only delicious but also very healthy.
Cranberries contain high amounts of antioxidants which help fight free radicals in the body.
Here are just a few of the many ways we enjoy cranberries:
- Spread them on top of homemade bread or muffins for breakfast.
- Make cranberry sauce with fresh tart cherries and peaches (you can add cinnamon if you want). You can also use dried fruit like apricots, apples, and pears instead of fresh fruits.
- Add fresh cranberries to your morning oatmeal. They will give it an extra boost of fiber and nutrients.
- Combine chopped cranberries with sugar and spices to create a tasty treat called “spiced-up cranberries” which you can eat right out of hand or dip into melted chocolate for a healthier version of candy cane cookies.
- Put canned cranberries in your salad dressing for a tangy taste.
- Mix together fresh cranberries and orange juice to make a refreshing drink called “fresh lemonade”.
In this article, we show you how to make cranberry jam so you can start using these natural wonders more often.
How Do You Make Cranberry Jam?
Cranberries have long been used in cooking as both an ingredient and food additive.
They are high in vitamin C and contain antioxidants like anthocyanins and ellagic acid which help fight cancer and other diseases.
Cranberries also provide fiber, potassium, copper, manganese, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, zinc, and vitamins B6 and E.
The fruit itself isn’t actually eaten by humans but rather processed into jams, jellies, sauces, and drinks (which means they don’t need to be refrigerated).
There are many different types of cranberry products available at grocery stores, including fresh cranberries, dried cranberries, and canned cranberry juice cocktail, all of which will work well for this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 cups chopped cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange or lemon
Method:
- Add sugar and water to a medium saucepan over low heat and stir until dissolved.
- Increase temperature to medium-high and bring mixture to boil. Stir occasionally while boiling.
- Once boiling, add cranberries and continue stirring until cranberries start to pop open. Remove pan from heat and allow to cool.
- When completely cooled, strain through fine mesh strainer into container with lid.
- Mix zest of orange or lemon into jam. Allow to sit overnight before serving so flavors can meld.
If you want something more festive for your holiday table, try adding cinnamon sticks, cloves, raisins, candied ginger, or even chocolate chips.
What Are Some Of The Most Popular Ways To Eat Cranberry Jam?
Cranberries have long been associated with Thanksgiving.
They were also used as an ingredient in early American recipes for jams, jellies, wines, and liqueurs.
The United States National Cranberry Board notes that cranberry sauce was first served during the 17th century by the Dutch settlers who introduced them into North America.
However, they became more widely known when President George Washington issued his “Farewell Address” in 1796, which included cranberry jelly among the foods he recommended Americans should consume regularly.
During World War I, the U.S.
government encouraged people to grow cranberries because they could be used as foodstuff for soldiers overseas.
However, while many people still enjoy eating cranberry jam, there are plenty of other ways to take advantage of this tasty treat.
Spread it on bread or crackers
One way to use up any extra cranberry spread after you’ve finished making cookies or biscuits is to spread it on toast.
You can also top fresh fruit like apples and pears with it before serving them on your breakfast table.
Use it as a filling
You can also use cranberry jam as a filling for pies, cakes, and muffins.
Simply add a bit of the spread to the batter before baking.
Make a sandwich
If you want something savory with your sweet treat, try spreading cranberry jam on slices of ham.
Add flavor to baked goods
The tartness of cranberry jam pairs well with chocolate chips, gingerbread, and even oatmeal raisin cookies.
Mix it together with butter
Another great idea is to mix a little bit of cranberry jam with melted butter and serve it on hot buttered toast.
It’s delicious paired with bacon too.
Top ice cream sundaes
This classic dessert takes cranberry jam to another level.
Top vanilla ice cream with a spoonful of cranberry spread and sprinkle on whipped cream.
Add a cherry if desired.
What Are Some Of The Health Benefits Of Cranberry Jam?
Cranberries have long been used as an anti-inflammatory food due to their high content in antioxidants.
Cranberry juice also contains vitamin C, which helps with proper digestion and iron absorption.
The combination makes this natural remedy especially beneficial for people who suffer from indigestion or heartburn.
Not only does cranberry jam taste delicious, but it provides many other health benefits too.
The following list highlights just some of these perks:
- It can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTI)
- It may reduce cholesterol levels
- It can protect against stomach ulcers
- It improves blood circulation
- It can help lower blood pressure
- It can fight off bacteria and viruses
- It can treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne
- It can improve bone density
- It can boost immunity
- It can fight cancer cells and tumors
- It can aid weight loss by reducing appetite
- It can increase energy levels
- It can promote healthy eyesight
- It can relieve symptoms associated with menopause
How to Make Your Own Cranberry Jam Recipe
If you want to try making your own cranberry jam recipe, there are several different methods to choose from depending on how much sugar you would like to add.
You will need to use a thermometer when cooking so you don’t over heat your jam.
If you prefer not to use a thermometer, simply take note of the temperature after adding all of the ingredients together.
To start, prepare a pot of water to boil.
Once boiling, place the cranberries into the pot and cook them until they burst open.
Remove the berries from the hot water and let them cool slightly before placing them into a large bowl.
Pour enough cold water over the berries to cover them completely.
Let them soak overnight.
Next, bring the berries back up to a simmer and pour them through a strainer.
Discard any skins left behind in the strainer and then return the liquid to the pan.
Add the pectin powder and stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture back up to a rolling boil while stirring constantly.
As soon as the mixture reaches a full boil, turn down the heat and continue to stir the jam regularly for five minutes.
Then remove the pan from the stove top and set aside to allow the jam to thicken further.
After about ten minutes, test the consistency by putting a small amount onto a plate.
If it holds its shape, the jam is ready.
If there is still liquid left in the bottom of the pan, keep heating it and testing again periodically until the desired thickness is reached.
When the jam is done, remove it from the heat and ladle it out into jars.
Store the jars in a dry area away from direct sunlight and refrigerate once opened.
Is Cranberry Jam Good For You?
Cranberries contain lots of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins C and K, potassium, folate (vitamin B), manganese, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, and even omega-3 fatty acids.
All these nutrients have many different health benefits.
- Antioxidants help protect against cancer, heart disease, and brain damage by neutralizing free radicals in cells and preventing them from damaging DNA. The more antioxidants a food contains, the better its ability to fight off diseases.
- Fiber helps lower cholesterol levels and keeps blood sugar steady so you don’t get hungry as quickly after eating.
- Vitamins C and K are essential for healthy skin, bones, muscles, and teeth. They also support immune function and help keep eyesight sharp.
- Potassium is an important electrolyte needed for normal body functions such as nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and heartbeat regulation.
- Manganese supports bone density while protecting against degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.
- Iron protects red blood cells from oxidative stress which damages their membranes. Iron deficiency leads to fatigue, weakness, and poor concentration. Women who don’t consume enough iron during pregnancy may give birth to low-birthweight babies or premature infants.
- Copper promotes proper digestion and metabolism, prevents infections, strengthens hair and nails, and aids wound healing.
- Zinc aids with cell growth, reproduction, fat storage, and energy production.
- Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and promote cardiovascular health.
The antioxidant properties found in cranberries also play an important role in maintaining overall health.
Cranberries are high in vitamin C, A, E, polyphenols, and flavonoids which all work together to boost immunity.
These compounds help prevent illness and slow down aging because they inhibit harmful bacteria and viruses.
What Are Some Of The Best Ways To Eat Cranberry Jam?
Cranberries have a long history as a popular food in Europe dating back more than 2,000 years ago.
In North America they were introduced by Europeans during colonial times but didn’t become popular until after World War II when American families began making their own preserves using fresh or dried berries.
Today, most consumers prefer either homemade jams (which uses fresh fruit) or canned jellies.
Here are just a few recipes for tasty ways to enjoy this classic treat all year round:
- Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies – These crispy cookies with a hint of cinnamon will make any breakfast lover happy. They also taste great topped with plain yogurt or vanilla Greek yogurt.
- Fruit & Nut Granola Bars – These bars packed full of delicious nuts and dried fruits will keep you going throughout the day.
- Easy Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins – This muffin recipe makes an impressive batch of healthy muffins without much effort.
- Strawberry Shortcake – A classic summer dessert that tastes amazing served warm out of the oven alongside a cool glass of milk.
If you want even more ideas, check out these other fun recipes for cranberry jam:
- Spiced Pumpkin Pie Dip – If you like pumpkin pie then you must try this dip version loaded with spices and cream cheese.
- Mushroom, Onion & Bacon Quiche Cups – Make this quiche cup recipe filled with savory mushrooms, onions and bacon and top them off with a creamy béchamel sauce.
- Baked Brie Sticks – You don’t need anything else to go along with this baked brie stick appetizer besides some crackers.
- Roasted Veggie Pasta Salad – Toss together roasted vegetables, pasta and goat cheese to create a hearty pasta salad.
And if you still haven’t found your new favorite way to use cranberry jam, here are some tips on how to store it so you always have plenty on hand.
Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh cranberries
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 large apple
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients, then heat to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and gently simmer for 45 to 60 minutes while stirring often. While simmering, keep covered, leaving just a tiny space for the steam to escape. Ensure that it simmers slowly. Stir every now and again.
- Place the mixture in a blender and blend until smooth.
- After allowing it fully cool, put to a medium jar. Refrigerate after fully cooling, then tightly cover.
- This jam will keep in the refrigerator for about 6 weeks without being canned.
Video
Nutrition
My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.