what happens in summer on a cranberry farm

What happens on a cranberry farm?

Cranberries are harvested in one of two ways, wet harvest or dry harvest. Most cranberries are wet harvested when the field is flooded, but a few are dry harvested with a mechanical picker, to be sold as fresh fruit. When fields are going to be wet harvested, the field is flooded.

Why are cranberry fields flooded at harvest time?

Flooding. ... Flooding is so important in cranberry cultivation that bogs where flooding is not possible are no longer considered profitable. Cranberry growers use flooding as a management tool to protect the plants from the cold, drying winds of winter, to harvest and remove fallen leaves and to control pests.

What season do cranberries grow?

Cranberries are a unique fruit. They can grow and survive only under a very special combination of factors. These factors include acid peat soil, an adequate fresh water supply, and a growing season that extends from April to November.

How do they flood cranberry fields?

DO CRANBERRY FARMERS INTENTIONALLY FLOOD THEIR FIELDS? Because of their natural internal air pockets, cranberries float. So, instead of walking row by row through a field and picking tiny berries from low-lying shrubbery, farmers flood their fields to bring the berries to the top.

Why do they put cranberries in the 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.

Can you eat cranberries raw?

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!

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.

Can you grow cranberries at home?

Can you grow cranberries at home? Yes, and now the question is how are cranberries grown in the home garden? The first thing to determine how to grow cranberries is the pH of your garden soil. Cranberries are a member of the Ericaceae family and, as such, are best suited to a soil pH of less than 5.

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.

Which 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.

Where do cranberries grow best?

Most cranberries grown in the U.S. come from Wisconsin, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Washington. Steve's farm is located in Southern New Jersey, which has the best soil conditions in the state for harvesting. Lee Brothers Cranberry Farm has a long history with cranberries.

Where does Ocean Spray grow 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 much do cranberry farmers 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.

What is the cranberry state?

Wisconsin is the leading producer of cranberries, producing 62 percent of the U.S crop in 2017. Other leading cranberry producing states include Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington. (USDA NASS 2017).

Is Cranberry man made?

Why? The bogs there have a nearly constantly available supply of water. ... Most of the bogs currently used for cranberry production are man-made. They were usually developed on natural wetlands or on uplands used to replicate the wetland environment.

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.

Do you need to soak fresh cranberries?

When using fresh cranberries, if you are not adding them to a baked good you will need to cook them on the stovetop. It is important that you don't overcook them or they will turn to mush, and will also turn bitter. ... For added flavor, soak the cranberries in fruit juice or liquor instead of water.

Why are cranberries good for you?

Many people consider cranberries to be a superfood due to their high nutrient and antioxidant content. In fact, research has linked the nutrients in cranberries to a lower risk of urinary tract infection (UTI), the prevention of certain types of cancer, improved immune function, and decreased blood pressure.

Why are cranberries bad for you?

High levels of oxalate—a chemical that binds to calcium during digestion—can be found in cranberries, especially cranberry extracts. Therefore, if you suffer from kidney stones, which are mostly made from calcium oxalate, eating copious amounts of cranberries may be a risk factor.

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 too many cranberries bad for you?

Cranberries and cranberry products are usually safe for most people if consumed in moderation. However, excessive consumption may cause stomach upset and diarrhea — and may also increase the risk of kidney stones in predisposed individuals.