Dried cranberries are made by partially dehydrating fresh cranberries, a process similar to making grapes into raisins.[1] They are used in trail mix, salads, breads, with cereals, or eaten on their own. Dried cranberries may be marketed as craisins due to the similarity in appearance with raisins, although the word "Craisin" is a registered trademark of Ocean Spray.[2] Craisins were introduced as part of a packaged cereal produced by Ralston Purina in 1989.[1]

Most commercially produced dried cranberries contain added sugar,[1] and may be coated with vegetable oil to inhibit stickiness.[3]

Nutrition

Cranberries, dried
Kcal308
Carbs82.8 g
Sugars72.56 g
Fibre5.3 g
Water15.79
Vita ug2
Betacarotene ug27
Lutein ug138
Thiamin mg0.013
Riboflavin mg0.028
Niacin mg0.548
Vitb6 mg0.038
Choline mg8.3
Vitc mg0.2
Vite mg2.1
Vitk ug7.6
Calcium mg9
Copper mg0.063
Iron mg0.39
Magnesium mg4
Phosphorus mg8
Potassium mg49
Selenium ug0.6
Sodium mg5
Zinc mg0.1
Source usdahttps://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1102630/nutrients

The nutrient content of dried cranberries may vary depending on the extent of dehydration, amount of sugar added during processing, and brand. According to an analysis by the US Department of Agriculture, dried cranberries are 16% water, 83% carbohydrates, 1% fat, and contain no protein.[4]

A 100 g reference amount of dried cranberries supplies 308 calories, with a moderate content of vitamin E (14% of the Daily Value), and otherwise a low or absent content of micronutrients (table).[4]

Uses

Dried cranberries can be added for color and flavor to various foods, including salads, oatmeal, cookies, muffins, loaves, breads and trail mix.[3] They may be used to replace raisins or any dried fruit.[3] Dried cranberries may be prepared with flavorings or coverings, such as chocolate.

Controversy

In 1989 after spending "millions of dollars" on raisin advertising, the California Raisin Advisory Board decried the similar name "Craisin", claiming that dried cranberries were "just the skin of the cranberry, sugar infused, and it's very tart."[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Raisin Growers Fight the 'Craisin'". The New York Times. Associated Press. June 14, 1989. Retrieved October 23, 2022.
  2. ^ "Craisins". Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. 2022. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  3. ^ Christensen, Tricia. "What are Dried Cranberries? (with picture)". Delighted Cooking. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  4. ^ "Cranberries, dried (survey)". FoodData Central, US Department of Agriculture. 30 October 2020. Retrieved 23 October 2022.