Less than 5 % of cranberries are consume raw , but they ’re dead good to eat freshly wash and uncooked . Find out how to make these ruby red fruits .
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commence a month or two beforeThanksgiving , an yearly celebration begins in the green goods gangway : cranberry season . footmark away , tardy - summer Lycopersicon esculentum and corn ; it ’s metre for this sweet-scented - cocotte fruit to beam . Fresh cranberries are commonly sell by the bag in the produce section September through January , fall in their icy and fire peers that can be found twelvemonth - round .
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almost everycranberry recipein our archives involves preparation cranberry in some way , so no wonder buff have emailed in to enquire us , “ can you exhaust cranberries raw ? ”
Before you nosh on a berry while you ’re making your next cranberry - infusedholiday side dish antenna , nimble moolah , or cocktail , read on for the dish from our Test Kitchen .
Sarah Brekke , M.S.,Better Homes & GardensTest Kitchen brand coach
Can You Eat Cranberries Raw?
We wo n’t make you dig for the answer : “ Yes , it is altogether fine to exhaust raw cranberry , ” confirms Sarah Brekke , M.S.,Better Homes & GardensTest Kitchen brand coach .
Only about 5 % of cranberry are sold in their fresh form , according to theAgricultural Marketing Resource Center , which means we have even less than that raw . ( Many Americans buy raw , fresh cranberries to cook down into sauces or bake in pies , cakes , and other cranberry desserts . )
Food safety - wise , there should n’t be a risk of infection to consuming cranberry raw unless you ’re allergic to the yield . Still , it ’s wise to check your intake of in the altogether cranberry because when consumed in large measure on their own , their acerbic and extremely lemonlike qualities of raw cranberry could trip an upturned stomach for some . If you feel the relish of raw cranberry to be too rollickingly acrid , Brekke recommends tossing them with a little sugar before eat them .
Of naturally , you’re able to also prepare cranberries to domesticate that tartness : “ When cranberries are cooked , the nip goes from tart and acrid to more of a sweet - fancy woman balance , ” Brekke sound out .
Cooking will also help free the natural pectin in cranberries , which will aid inspissate any sauce or mixture you add the yield to .
How to Choose, Store, and Wash Fresh Cranberries
When shopping , look for refreshing cranberry that are deep blood-red , firm , plump , and have smooth skin . Healthy and fresh cranberries should also float in water ( due to the fact that each berry has four air chambers inwardly ) .
Discard orcompostany cranberries that are delicate , sear , discolour , or if you notice any mould ontogeny or “ off ” fragrance , Brekke advises .
Once you ’ve stocked up on impudent cranberries , they ’re a breeze to store . Keep in the altogether cranberry in their original packaging ( often , a plastic bag ) or transfer them to an airtight memory container and zip - top bag . Refrigerate fresh cranberries for up to 1 month . call for more time ? Brekke pronounce you’re able to freeze cranberry in that same vessel for up to 1 year .
Before consuming cranberries , shift them to a colander and rinse under cool running water . Use your clean custody to mildly charge the berries to ensure all pieces and sides are wash off .
The Best Raw Cranberry Recipes to Try
So can you corrode cranberry naked as a jaybird ? You sure can , and our Test Kitchen has hone a few mantrap that allow you to enjoy them in their fresh glory .
Chop clean , raw cranberries and mix them with diced dark-green onions , minced jalapeño , diced impudent cilantro , and a mizzle of honey . Spoon this over cream cheese and alongside redneck for a festive holiday inclination platter .
Or addGinger - Cranberry RelishorFresh Citrus and Cranberry Saladto your card for Thanksgiving , Christmas , or any fall or winterSunday dinner party .
The Best Cooked Cranberry Recipes to Add to Your Menu
opt to stick around with the tried - and - true cooked cranberry recipe ? Options abound . Try either the wise or wintry variation of this seasonal fruit in :
