Christmas Cranberries

Round & About

I grew Cranberries in hanging baskets last year and they seem to work extremely well in our climate but why so popular at Christmas?

The Plant 

Vaccinium macrocarpon or cranberry is a low growing, spreading perennial shrub native to North America. It’s in the Ericaceae family so need similar conditions to blueberries. It needs acid soil or ericaceous compost to grow successfully and damp, not waterlogged, conditions. It’s extremely long lived and seems to work well in the challenging UK climate. 

The Crop 

Cranberries are sour berries rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. They are an important commercial crop particularly in North America where they are grown in acidic, sandy bogs that can be flooded for harvest. Someone discovered an air pocket in the fruit which allows them to float! The crops are flooded and agitated to release the berries which float on the water making collection easier. 

Why Christmas? 

Cranberries flower in the Summer and after pollination by bees produce beautiful red berries that are harvested in the Autumn which means the fresh fruit is available in time for thanksgiving and Christmas.  Their bright red colour fits in with the festive palette and historically were used to decorate wreaths and table centres. The tart flavour balances our rich Christmas dinner making them perfect for festive feasts. Native Americans first used cranberries for food, dye and medicine and today they symbolise harvest, gratitude and abundance. They also make a bright addition to winter containers in the garden when it’s generally very gloomy outside!