how are cranberries harvested

Wet Harvesting The bog is flooded with up to 18 inches of water the night before the berries are to be harvested. The growers then use water reels, nicknamed “eggbeaters,” to churn the water and loosen the cranberries from the vine. Each berry has tiny pockets of air that allow it to float to the surface of the water.

Why do you harvest cranberries in water?

Cranberries have pockets of air inside the fruit. Because of this, cranberries float in water, and thus, the bogs can be flooded to aid in removal of fruit from the vines. ... By this action, cranberries are dislodged from the vines and float to the surface of the water.

Why do cranberry fields have to be drained as soon as the harvest is finished?

After harvest, bogs are drained, raked, and reflooded. Water protects the shallow-rooted cranberry vines from frost during the cold winter months. It also protects highly flammable bogs from fire and kills the larvae of potential insect pests.

Can you eat raw cranberries?

cranberries are insanely healthy ~ they're low calorie, high fiber, high in vitamin C and cancer fighting antioxidants. you CAN eat them raw! Pulse them into a relish, or blend up into a super nutritious smoothie. ... fresh cranberries are good for so much more than sauce…just scroll down and see!

How high does a cranberry have to bounce to harvest it?

Cranberries bounce over a 4-inch-high board when harvested, according to the Nantucket Conservation Foundation. Firm berries bounce, while the softer, overripe berries drop to the bottom of the sorter and are discarded. Nantucket's cranberries can be either wet or dry harvested.

Where does Ocean Spray get their cranberries?

Ocean Spray is an American agricultural cooperative of growers of cranberries and grapefruit headquartered in Plymouth County, Massachusetts. It currently has over 700 member growers (in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, Florida, British Columbia and other parts of Canada, as well as Chile).

How long will Cranberries last in water?

In water, cranberries should last about two weeks. Cranberries will tarnish real silver; use stainless steel or another silver look-alike.

Is Cranberry a tree?

Neither. The American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a low-growing, vining, woody perennial plant with small, alternate, oval leaves. The plant produces horizontal stems or runners up to 6 feet (2 m) long.

Do Cranberries grow underwater?

No. It is a common misconception that cranberries are grown in water. Water is used during harvest to float the fruit for easier collection, and during the winter months to protect the plants from freezing and desiccation.

Are cranberry bogs salt water?

Plants that grow in bogs have to contend with a host of unfavorable conditions, but the cranberry plant's durability allows it to survive in this habitat. For example, cranberries need fresh water to survive. Of course, the fact that bogs consist of mostly acidic water represents a challenge to the plant.

Are Cranberries a Superfood?

Cranberries: Year-Round Superfood. We know cranberry sauce as a staple at the holidays, but cranberries are a superfood that you should enjoy all year round. Cranberries have vitamin C and fiber, and are only 45 calories per cup.

What can I do with raw cranberries?

9 Ways to Use Fresh Cranberries That Aren't Cranberry Sauce

Ina Garten's Easy Apple and Cranberry Cake. Any time you see Ina's name followed by the word “easy,” you know the recipe is a keeper. ...
Cranberry Custard Pie. I love everything about this pie, from its creamy base to its finished presentation.
Cranberry-Pear Crisp. ...
Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail.

Is eating raw cranberries good for you?

Rich with antioxidants and high in fibre, cranberries have serious health benefits including promoting digestion and helping control blood sugar. But before you load up on extra cranberry sauce over Thanksgiving, it's important to note that raw cranberries are the most nutritious variation of the fruit.

How can you tell if a cranberry is ripe?

Good berries for picking should be firm to the touch and a red to dark crimson color. After harvesting, you can try the “bounce test” against a flat surface to ensure your ripe cranberries are nice and springy.

Do cranberries bounce when ripe?

When the cranberries are ripe, growers flood the field with 18 inches of water. ... Growers use a simple test to see if a cranberry is ripe or not. They drop the berries and let them bounce over a wooden barrier. Air pockets in the cranberries make them bounce, so if the berry is damaged it won't bounce over the barrier.

Why are cranberries red?

Cranberry also contains a number of compounds that may play a role in helping prevent cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. These are called flavonoids and include anthocyanins, which give cranberries their deep red color.

What state grows 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.

What is the cranberry capital of the world?

It may surprise some to learn that Bandon, with its temperate climate and crashing surf, is an ideal place for growing cranberries, and it has grown to a center of production since the berries were first commercially grown here in the 1890s.

How much does a cranberry farmer make?

The middle half received between $570 and $1,269 per week. The lowest-paid 10 percent of wage earners received less than $358. The highest-paid 10 percent received more than $1,735 per week.

Can I use fresh cranberries for decorating?

Pop fresh cranberries on the tips. Thread cranberries on a long string, looping it around the wreath. For a sophisticated final touch, add silver ornaments and greenery to the Christmas wreath.

Will frozen cranberries float?

Yes! Even frozen cranberries float! (Plus they make a very cool, rattling sound when they are frozen solid!)

How long will string cranberries last?

Since the cranberries are fresh, this garland will last about 7-10 days depending on where you want to hang it. If you would like it to last longer or would like to use it for future years, you can always use faux cranberries. You can find these on Amazon or other craft stores.