Fresh cranberries are available in supermarkets and grocery stores from October thru December—a very short season! Stock up on fresh cranberries during the fall season and freeze an amount that will last you through the year. Store them right in the bags they come in and they’ll be good for up to 12 months. What to do with all those cranberries? I’m so glad you asked!

 

Nutritious

Research has linked the nutrients in cranberries to a lower risk of urinary tract infection (UTI), the prevention of certain types of cancer, improved immune function, and decreased blood pressure. They are a good source of various vitamins and antioxidants.

Historically, Native Americans used cranberries as a treatment for bladder and kidney diseases, while early settlers from England used them to treat poor appetite, stomach complaints, blood disorders, and scurvy.

 

Delicious

I would not recommend eating fresh cranberries straight out of the bag. They need to be prepared first, and then oh my. Fresh cranberries used as an ingredient can be deliciously delightful! Here are a few recipes and ideas for your consideration.

Cranberry Sauce

Here is my favorite simple, delicious recipe for Cranberry Sauce.

You’ll need:

✅ Fresh cranberries

✅ water

✅ white sugar

✅ brown sugar

Scroll down for complete printable recipe.

Beauty

Homemade Lip Gloss

You’ll need:

✅ fresh cranberries

✅ honey

✅ almond oil

Microwave, mash, sieve, and cool. That’s it! Apply to lips as needed for a wonderful moisturizer and exfoliant.

Scroll down for complete printable recipe.

But there are other ways we can use fresh cranberries—to make the holidays even more beautiful!

Decorate

There are other ways we can use fresh cranberries—to make the holidays even more beautiful! Here are a few ideas.

Centerpiece

Start with some Styrofoam balls, any size. Cut a bunch of wood toothpicks in half.

Stick a pick into the ball so that about 1/2-inch is sticking out. Push a cranberry onto the toothpick until it touches the foam ball. Repeat until the ball is covered, placing the cranberries close enough so the white ball does not show through.

Set your cranberry balls on candle holders of various heights or pile them into a large bowl.

Glittered up

In a medium bowl stir together 2 tablespoons water and 1 tablespoon pasteurized egg white (or one raw egg white) until blended, but not whipped. Coat raw cranberries with this mixture. Spread granulated sugar on a baking sheet and roll the cranberries in it until they are covered. Dry at room temperature for 2 hours. Use as a garnish for desserts. Sugared cranberries almost sparkle, they are so pretty.

Flower arrangements

Pour fresh raw cranberries into a clear glass vase. Add water. Now add a simple flower arrangement.

The red berries in the water are stunning. Berries will last longer than the flowers so don’t worry about them going bad.

You don’t have to add the water or even the flowers. Clear glass vases filled partially with red cranberries add a beautiful decorator touch to any setting.

Floating candles

Partially fill a clear glass bowl with water. Add fresh cranberries (they’ll float) and floating candles to make a pretty, colorful, and simple holiday decoration.

Garland

Wash the cranberries. Thread a large sewing needle with waxed dental floss. Secure the first cranberry on the floss by putting the needle through the cranberry twice, then make a knot in the floss. Continue threading the cranberries until the desired length is achieved to decorate the mantel, Christmas tree, or banister.

 

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