Using Fresh Cranberries | Ocean Spray® (2024)

Did you know that you can tell how fresh a cranberry is by how high it bounces? Ocean Spray® Fresh Cranberries are just bursting with great taste, ready to jump into any holiday recipe. Click on these common questions about fresh cranberries for a quick answer.

When can I get fresh cranberries?

How do I store fresh cranberries?

  • Store fresh cranberries in the refrigerator in their original plastic bag, just as you bought them, for up to two weeks.

Can I freeze fresh cranberries?

  • Fresh cranberries freeze nicely. Freeze cranberries, without pre-washing, in their original plastic bag for up to one year.

  • Buy extra bags of fresh cranberries and freeze them for year-round use.

How long can I store fresh cranberries in the refrigerator? In the freezer?

  • Fresh cranberries stored in the refrigerator are usually good for up to 2 weeks. We suggest freezing them if you are not going to use them within two weeks. Cranberries will freeze nicely and last up to one year.

How do I use fresh cranberries?

  • To prepare cranberries for cooking, sort out soft berries and stems. Sometimes a few white cranberries are in the bag. They are fine to use, they just haven't been exposed to as much sunlight as the red ones.

  • Rinse berries well with water and drain in a colander.

  • It's easy to make your own Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce and check out more great recipes that showcase fresh cranberries.

How do I use frozen cranberries?

  • DO NOT THAW frozen cranberries before using. Simply rinse in cold water and use as directed for fresh cranberries.

  • Frozen berries can be chopped in a food processor (one bag or 3 cups / 750 mL at a time).

How many fresh cranberries are in a bag?

What about nutrition?

  • There are 25 calories in 1/2 cup (125 mL) of fresh cranberries and 10% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C, plus plenty of natural antioxidants

  • Fresh cranberries contain no cholesterol, virtually no fat, and very little sodium.

How do I prepare cranberries for cooking?

  • First sort out any soft berries and stems. Rinse berries in cold water, drain well and use as the recipe directs. There are three cups (750 mL) of cranberries in a 340 g bag of Ocean Spray® Fresh Cranberries. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before using.

  • Your recipe should specify whether to use chopped cranberries or not. If it doesn't, be sure to measure your cranberries before chopping them. Follow this guide:

    • If the recipe says to use "1 cup (250 mL) cranberries" chop the cranberries first, then measure them.

    • If the recipe says to use "1 cup (250 mL) cranberries, chopped" measure the cranberries first, then chop them.

Can I substitute Ocean Spray® Craisins® Sweetened Dried Cranberries for fresh cranberries?

  • Yes, Craisins® Sweetened Dried Cranberries work well in baked goods; however, there is a 1/4 cup (60 mL) difference in measurement. If a recipe calls for one cup of fresh cranberries you should use 3/4 cup (175 mL) of Craisins®.

  • Craisins® should not be used in cooked sauces. Since they are a dried fruit, they do not contain the pectin necessary for the sauce to gel.

Using Fresh Cranberries | Ocean Spray® (2024)

FAQs

Do I need to rinse fresh cranberries? ›

Avoid cranberries that look bruised or shriveled. Before use, rinse fresh or frozen cranberries and discard any that are damaged. It is not necessary to rinse before freezing, and there is also no need to clean dried cranberries. When cooking, heat cranberries just until they pop.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? ›

You'll probably want to use about 1 cup of fresh cranberries for every 1/2 cup of dried cranberries called for in the recipe. You can also look for recipes calling for fresh blueberries and use cranberries instead. Since they're similar in size, fresh blueberries and cranberries can be substituted one-for-one.

How many cups of cranberries are in a bag of ocean spray cranberries? ›

First sort out any soft berries and stems. Rinse berries in cold water, drain well and use as the recipe directs. There are three cups (750 mL) of cranberries in a 340 g bag of Ocean Spray® Fresh Cranberries.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen? ›

Yes! Fresh cranberries freeze for up to a year and can often be substituted in recipes that call for fresh cranberries. When cooking with frozen cranberries, do not thaw before using.

Why should cranberries not be eaten raw? ›

Is it safe to eat cranberries raw? Cranberries are generally considered safe whether they are cooked or raw. However, because of their notoriously bitter, sharp taste, most people prefer not to eat them raw or unsweetened. This bitterness is due to the high tannin content of cranberries.

What happens if you forget to wash cranberries? ›

People should thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before cooking or eating them. Produce that the manufacturer has prewashed does not require further rinsing, however. There are two main risks of eating unwashed fruits and vegetables: bacterial contamination and pesticides.

Should you wash fresh cranberries before freezing? ›

Sort berries and remove stems; then wash and drain thoroughly. Blot dry with a clean towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Water remaining on the skin of the cranberry will cause the berry to blister when frozen and the berries to stick together.

How long do fresh cranberries last in water? ›

If you expect to keep them under water, cover them with something to weigh them down. Change the water used with cranberries if it becomes murky or clouded. In water, cranberries should last about two weeks.

Do you need to cut cranberries before dehydrating? ›

Cutting the berries: Whole cranberries have a firm exterior that doesn't break down easily during baking. So cutting the berries in half allows them to dry out more quickly. This does take a little time but while save you time in the long run.

Does Ocean Spray use real cranberries? ›

It's 100% juice made with the crisp, clean taste of real cranberries straight from the bog. Plus, it has no added sugar, a daily dose of vitamin C, and one cup of fruit, so it tastes good and it's good for you, too.

Do you dilute Ocean Spray cranberry juice? ›

Preparation and Usage. For the perfect drink, dilute one part concentrate with four parts water. Add extra water for toddlers.

Are Ocean Spray cranberries good for you? ›

Ocean Spray® Light Cranberry Juice co*cktail serves up the unique health benefits of cranberry, with 2/3 fewer calories and carbs than most juices and alcoholic drinks. Drink to your health Hydrating is important no matter what time of year.

Why do frozen cranberries say do not eat raw? ›

"Cranberries are safe to eat raw. However, usually they are cooked and have sugar added because of the bitter and sharp taste they have when raw," says Kelly West Keyser, a registered dietitian in Alabama.

Should you cut cranberries before baking? ›

Baking with Cranberries: Cut cranberries in half before adding them to baked goods to prevent them from swelling and popping.

Are fresh cranberries ready to eat? ›

Yes, raw cranberries are safe to consume raw, but you probably don't want to eat them that way. "Cranberries are safe to eat raw. However, usually they are cooked and have sugar added because of the bitter and sharp taste they have when raw," says Kelly West Keyser, a registered dietitian in Alabama.

How long can cranberries sit in water? ›

In water, cranberries should last about two weeks.

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