Cranberry
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Major Growing Areas
Cranberries originated in North America, including Massachusetts and Wisconsin in the northeastern United States, and eastern Canada.
Varieties
The better known ones are Vaccinium macrocarpon, V.microcarpum, V.oxycoccos and V.erythrocarpum.
Nutritional Values
Cranberries are rich in dietary fibre and proanthocyanidins, the latter of which have a stronger anti-oxidising effect than vitamins C and E.
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| Per 100 g (Approx. over half bowl of cranberries) |
| Energy |
46 kcal |
| Sugar |
4.3 g |
| Vitamin C |
14.0 mg |
| Dietary Fibre |
3.6 g |
Buying Tips
It is advisable to buy cranberries that are plump, firm and vividly red. However, cranberries are rarely sold fresh in the market, as most of them are processed into juice, dried fruit or jam for sale.
Interesting Titbits
It is widely believed that cranberries contain a natural antibacterial substance called proanthocyanidins, which help prevent urinary tract infection. It was also shown in some studies that drinking cranberry juice could
help prevent such infection. Nonetheless, more clinical studies are still required to verify the potency of cranberries.
One Serving of Fruit is Approximately Equivalent to:
½ bowl of cranberries
Remark: One bowl = 250 – 300 ml
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