Cranberries

In season in SW Michigan

In season

Months from the MSU Extension seasonal availability guide. Weather shifts dates a little each year.

Key nutrients

%DV uses FDA Daily Values for adults and children 4+. Values are USDA lab averages scaled to the serving; your harvest may differ.

Wellness

A cup of whole raw cranberries has about 46 calories, 14 mg of vitamin C (16% DV) and 3.6 g of fiber (13% DV). That makes it a good source of vitamin C and fiber. (USDA) The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements says the body needs vitamin C to make collagen, which helps wounds heal, and that vitamin C improves absorption of iron from plant foods and helps the immune system work properly. (NIH ODS) Harvard's Nutrition Source says fiber, especially the insoluble kind, helps food move through the digestive system, and soluble fiber may help lower cholesterol. (Harvard)

Pick, store and use

• Pick

  Choose firm, plump, shiny red cranberries. (MSU Extension)

• Store

  Keep them in the fridge, where they last about a month. If you plan to freeze them, do it as soon as you get home. (MSU Extension)

• Freeze

  Rinse, drain and pat dry, freeze on a shallow tray, then pack. Add them to muffin or bread batter still frozen so they don't turn it pink. (MSU Extension)

Where to get it nearby

• DeGrandchamp FarmsSouth Haven · Van Buren Co.

See all farms →

Farms whose listing mentions cranberries. Check with the farm before you go.