November
2005
By
B. Rosie Lerner
Extension Consumer Horticulturist
Purdue University
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Thankful for Cranberries
Although the cranberry is native to the northeastern United States,
it requires a rather unique acid bog habitat, which restricts its commercial
production to just a few states. The ideal soil pH is 4.0-5.5, quite acidic
compared to other horticulture crops. A large supply of fresh water and
sand is also required.
Cranberries belong to the family Ericaceae and are related to rhododendron,
blueberry and heather. Known botanically as Vaccinium macrocarpon , cranberries
grow on a trailing, evergreen vine. The common name of cranberry comes
from crane berry, so named because the flower is said to resemble the
head and neck of a sandhill crane.
Because cranberries initiate flower buds in late summer, the plants need
protection for the buds to survive. Thus, cranberry vines are flooded
and layered with sand during the winter months to protect them from the
cold. In spring, the bogs are drained. The plants flower in late spring
and early summer on short, vertical shoots called uprights. The forthcoming
fruit take the rest of the growing season to ripen.
Cranberries are harvested in September and October by one of two methods.
Most are harvested via a “wet” method, where growers flood
the plants and loosen the fruit by machine. The fruit then floats to the
top. Most of these berries are used for processing. Some fruits are harvested
for fresh market via a “dry” method, using mechanical comb-like
pickers.
In addition to being a source of vitamins C and A, potassium and fiber,
cranberries have other nutritional benefit. They are also being linked
to cardiovascular and urinary tract health and prevention of dental plaque,
cancer and ulcers.
Uncle Sam estimates that 649 million pounds of cranberries will be produced
in the United States this year, up 5 percent from 2004. Wisconsin is expected
to be the leader in the cranberry harvest, with 367 million pounds, followed
by Massachusetts with170 million. Oregon, New Jersey and Washington are
the other major cranberry players.
11-3-05
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