5 Ways to Enjoy Cranberries

Oh, cranberry, how do we love thee? Let me count the ways.

In the health arena, you make our hearts go pitter-pat–and not just because you may lower bad cholesterol and increase good. You’re also packed with immune-boosting antioxidants, urinary health-protecting antibacterial properties, and even–if you believe one Rutgers researcher–a compound that prevents plaque from binding to your teeth. Super-food, anyone?

Cranberries are more than mere healthy eating, ithey are feel-good, taste-great foodie joy. Because not only do you contain a major dose of pectin, which, once released, brings you from firm fruit to delectable, just-burst gel in mere minutes. You’re also so perfectly tart so as to act as the perfect foil in sweet desserts, and a delightful zing to savory dishes. Is there anything you can’t do?

I’m lucky enough to live in cranberry country–New England–where my store stocks several brands of local berries fresh from the bog. Seeing as how ’tis the season for all things cran, I thought I’d share my 5 favorite ways to enjoy this tiny super-fruit.