Cranberry Recipes: Deep, glossy red in colour, round in shape with a strong yet delectable flavour, cranberry is a fruit packed with various benefits yet still underrated. Cranberries belong to the Ericaceae family and are related to blueberries, bilberries, and lingonberries. While the most commonly grown specie of cranberry is the North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), there are many other types of cranberries as well.
Cranberry (karonda in hindi) has a very strong, sharp and sour taste, which is why it is rarely eaten raw. It is most popularly consumed in the form of juice, which is quite sweet since it is made with a combination of different fruits. Cranberry juice is a refreshing way to load up on this superfood along with the many health benefits that the juice offers. Cranberry juice is known to prevent urinary tract infection (UTI) apart from improving digestion and enhancing post-menopausal health. Besides this, cranberry is made into delectable sauces, dips, powders and extracts that are further used in various cranberry recipes.
(Also Read: 9 Amazing Benefits Of Cranberry: Powerhouse Of Antioxidants, Heart Healthy And More)
Health Benefits Of Cranberry
In addition to being a super versatile fruit, cranberry has countless health benefits that are sure to make you include it in your diet. Cranberries are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients apart from fibre, all of which are great for our all-round wellness. Let's look at the many health benefits of cranberry:
1. Packed With Antioxidants: Cranberries are known to have the maximum amount of disease-fighting antioxidants as compared to all other fruits and vegetables that includes strawberries, spinach, broccoli or even cherries.
2. Aids Weight Loss: According to Delhi-based Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat, "Cranberry is loaded with fibre, which helps in staying full for long. Besides that, cranberry juice has an emulsifying effect on the fats deposited in the body, which can help with weight loss."
3. May Help Prevent UTIs: Perhaps the only fruit best known for its role in preventing UTI, cranberry has a high level of proanthocyanidins that help in lowering the adhesion of certain bacteria to the urinary-tract walls and fighting the infections.
4. Healthy Heart: Cranberries have polyphenols that may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing blood pressure and preventing platelet build-up.
Besides consuming cranberry juice, there are multiple other ways to load up on this healthy fruit. Thanks to its versatility, cranberries can be used to prepare multiple delicious dishes at home. Let's look at the five best cranberry recipes to prepare at home.
Here Are 5 Best Cranberry Recipes To Make At Home:
1. Cranberry Ka Panna
A summer beverage that you won't be able to resist! You might have indulged in tangy raw mango panna during the summers. Here is another version packed with the goodness of cranberries, mint leaves, spices and chia seeds. Simmered together, blended to a puree, mixed with soda and topped with chia seeds, relish this cranberry panna chilled!
2. Almond And Cranberry Poha
Yes, you read that right! You can also include cranberry in your daily breakfast with this easy and quick poha recipe. A healthy and nutritious breakfast option packed with almond flakes, coconut and cranberries tossed together with chillies and spices, served piping hot with a coriander garnishing.
3. Cranberry Smoothie
Here is a quick and easy smoothie recipe made with dried cranberries with a mix of banana, custard apple and red apple blended well with cinnamon, coconut milk, honey and a tang of lime. This is a perfect way to start your day on a healthy note.
4. Methi Malai Cranberry Chicken
Yes, you can include cranberries in your curries too! This mouth-watering chicken curry recipe with the added tang of cranberry is simply the perfect way to spruce up your lunch or dinner table. Marinated chicken chunks cooked in a mix of spices, cranberry puree and yogurt, served with a garnishing of fresh cranberries on top.
5. Cranberry Almond Rice Kheer
Here is a rice kheer recipe made with a handful of ingredients and packed with nourishing almonds and cranberries along with cardamom and honey, cooked together in milk.