The mighty cranberry:
a tiny fruit that packs a whole lot of punch
Have you ever heard the saying that cranberry juice can help relieve UTIs? Well, there is some truth to that!
While raisins have been a staple of the dried fruits aisle in grocery stores for years, it is only recently that dried cranberries have made their way onto store shelves. This is good news because this tiny red berry in all its forms comes with myriad health benefits!
Dried cranberries are no exception. In addition to being easy to store and a tasty, convenient snack, they are associated with surprising nutrition facts.
Citadelle’s whole dried cranberries go through a unique infusion and drying process that allows them to retain a maximum amount of moisture and health benefits while giving them a one-of-a-kind texture. Biting into a Citadelle dried cranberry is akin to savouring a sweet, delicious piece of candy but without any of the guilt!
Dried cranberries are infused in a sweet solution, making them a less healthy option, right?
Not at all! Natural cranberries contain very little sugar. Have you ever tasted a raw cranberry? They’re so bitter they are nearly inedible!
The infusion process using a sweet solution mitigates the bitterness of the berry to make it much more enjoyable to eat. Even after this process, cranberries don’t contain more sugar than any other dried fruit such as raisins – even though grapes don’t undergo an infusion process before being dried!
To find out what kind of sweeteners are used for our cranberries, click here:
And what about nutrients?
You only need a small number of dried cranberries to get a good dose of some nutrients. For instance, 40 grams of dried cranberries contain 10% of your daily recommended amount of fibre! They’re also low in sodium and protein and an excellent source of vitamin C.
Furthermore, only half a cup of dried cranberries equals a serving of fruit!
Still not convinced? Read on to learn more about how cranberries can help you prevent certain diseases!
Can dried cranberries really prevent disease?
Dried cranberries are an excellent alternative to candy when you want to indulge your sweet tooth. They’re easy to carry and are great for satisfying cravings. And they’re slightly sour, making them a lovely snack for anyone who likes sour candy. Obviously, cranberries are a much more healthy and nutritious option.
Have you ever wondered where cranberries get their vibrant red colour? Probably not but the answer is an interesting one! They come from the flavonoids in the fruit itself. Interestingly, cranberry flowers are brown, blue, or red. Citadelle’s unique infusion and drying process allows the dried cranberry to retain its bright red hue typical of a raw cranberry.
Flavonoids are also responsible for the cranberry’s antioxidant properties. Keep in mind that a diet rich in antioxidants can help prevent heart disease!
These flavonoids, also called proanthocyanidins (PACs), have a unique structure which is nearly only found in cranberries. Flavonoids are renowned for their anti-adhesive properties for bacteria. Which means that consuming cranberries may contribute to preventing the adhesion of certain kinds of harmful bacteria such as E. Coli. which is responsible for myriad ailments.
Cranberries could also prevent the accumulation of bacteria to blame from gum disease and stomach ulcers, in addition to preventing the accumulation of LDL, the “bad” cholesterol.
Moreover, the University of Wisconsin is currently carrying out a study of women with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Consuming a daily serving of dried cranberries (half a cup) for a minimum of two weeks could reduce the frequency of infections.
The health benefits of cranberries are clear as day!
Farming organic cranberries
Citadelle produces two types of cranberries: conventional and organic. Both are premium quality berries that deliver the health benefits listed above.
What’s the difference? Organic cranberries are ideal for consumers who care about their impact on the environment. In fact, organic cranberry growers use certified products that do not harm wildlife or plants. If their crops become infested with insects, less harmful methods are used to eliminate them.
However, conventional cranberries are also grown with eco-friendly practices. Cranberries are a perennial crop and regulations in Quebec – where most Citadelle cranberries are grown – ensure that the fruit is produced with a minimal impact on the environment. For instance, insect repelling chemicals are only used when needed and not for preventive purposes. That means that very little insecticides or pesticides are used for both conventional and organic cranberries.
In sum, a dried cranberry is a fruit worth discovering or rediscovering. To find out more about our products, visit our website at https://www.citadelle-camp.coop/en
Sources
The Cranberry Institute
https://www.cranberryinstitute.org/about-cranberries/dried-cranberries
Association des producteurs de canneberges du Québec
http://www.notrecanneberge.com/Contenu/SousPage/Canneberges/Bienfaits
Jean-François Pelletier, agronomist with Citadelle