We usually think of eating cranberries only around the holidays with turkey and stuffing, but cranberries are a great all year healthy food to add to your diet. Recent studies show that the tart, red berry is a unique good-for-you fruit that offers a wide variety of health benefits. Not only are cranberries a healthy, low-calorie snack, but they can also play a significant role in preventing urinary tract infections, reducing the risk of gum disease and much more.

Other cranberry health facts include: Cranberries and cranberry products contain significant amounts of antioxidants that may help protect against heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Cranberries may be beneficial in the prevention of ulcers, which are linked to stomach cancer and acid reflux disease. Cranberries contain hippuric acid, which has antibacterial effects on the body, as well as natural antibiotic ingredients.

At the farm we add cranberries to our diet all year long. If you don't have access to cranberries all year, now is the time to stock up on them. Cranberries freeze well for up to 4 months. Thaw completely before using.

Some of our favorite cranberry recipes at the farm are: Spicy Cranberry Ginger Relish and Cranberry Walnut Bread. Our Spicy Cranberry Ginger Relish is a farm fresh original that we use to top ham sandwiches, use as a side to spicy curry dishes or slather on fresh sourdough bread when eaten with a fresh salad.