Cranberries were commonly referred to as “bounce-berries”. In the “old days”, you would pick the good cranberries from the bad cranberries by tossing them on the ground or down the stairs to see if they bounce. The bouncy berries are the good berries.Cranberries are super fruits and the health benefits cranberries offer are numerous. You can often judge a food by its cover (skin or peel) and rich red, dark blue or purple fruits are loaded with nutrients – antioxidants, phytonutrients like anthocyanin and more!
Cranberries are Nutritious and Beneficial
The cranberry, in particular, is know to help “cure” urinary tract infections. The “cure” is not in the acidity but is found in the special nature of its anthocyanin. The nutritional and “super” nutrient benefits of cranberries can only be had to the fullest when we actually eat the berries. Cranberry juice for example may not deliver all of the wonderfully beneficial nutrients that cranberries contain.
During the Fall and Winter months, I like to make cranberry sauces of various types. I love the smell of simmering cranberries with fruits and spices. One of my favorite cranberry recipes is Cranberry Apple Compote. This compote/sauce is not as tart as plain cranberry sauce is due to the addition of apples and a few other ingredients. This is a great way to introduce cranberries and tart flavors to your little foodie.
Are Cranberries Allergenic or an Allergy Risk?
Please note that Cranberries are not “true” berries and they are not know to pose any allergy risks. Cranberries are acidic however and could cause a rash on your baby’s mouth or bottom.
Apple Cranberry Compote
This Fall recipe for Apple Cranberry Compote is a wonderful way to introduce babies to the lovely flavor of cranberries.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 apple
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla
- pinch of cinnamon and/or ginger
Instructions
- In a medium sized saucepot, bring all ingredients to a boil on the stove-top
- Simmer together until a sauce/compote consistency is reached.
- Allow to cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezes well but may need to be reconstituted with water when thawed.
Notes
For Babies:
Puree if needed and serve alone, with yogurt, mixed into cereal, mixed into sweet potatoes or butternut squash or even into mashed potatoes.