WATCH: The Astonishing Medicinal Powers of the Cranberry

Whether it's the distinct biting taste, or the sight of rubber-overalled men waist-deep in lakes of crimson, or the POP of your grandmother opening a mason jar of her preserves (well, maybe the movie version of your grandmother), we all know a thing or two about cranberries. But research is only now starting to uncover the incredible health benefits of this most regal of berries.

One of my favorite video projects about food is NPR's Tiny Desk Kitchen, produced by Allison Aubrey. In these short gems, like cut jewels, the frame shimmers with beautiful imagery and pulses with the ranging curiosity and crystal clarity that characterize all of Allison's work. The new video, "Are Berries All That Or Just Hype?" adds to her luster, and demonstrates how cranberries truly pack a powerful health punch...

Read the full NPR report here.

 

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Comments

[plaidsportcoat]

02:01 AM on 11/22/2010

Do cranberries often have a lot of pesticide residue unless organically certified

[makebofapay]

03:09 PM on 11/19/2010

Try adding a little straight cranberry juice to a glass of water, just enough to make it a pretty color if you need sweetener add some apple juice or a little maple syrup. The problem with cranberries is that most people prepare them with a ton of sugar.

[rikster]

09:36 PM on 11/18/2010

look out..Big Pharma will want to patent it...

[crom14]

07:55 PM on 11/17/2010

I make a cranberry pie that is to die for.

[BebeLush]

05:04 PM on 11/17/2010

I use to make baked cranberries for Thanksgiving. My dish was more popular than the turkey.

[ProfessorBrooks]

09:39 AM on 11/17/2010

Hey Vick--you're number one!

I like to throw fresh cranberries into oatmeal (not instant, real oatmeal) about 15 minutes into the 45 minute slow cook process--they get tender and meld into the oats and then a bit of brown sugar and butter on top...so good on a cold morning.

[ChrisElam]

09:48 AM on 11/17/2010

ProfessorBrooks, that sounds phenomenal. Do you do take-out?

[ProfessorBrooks]

12:20 PM on 11/17/2010

Ha! Thanks but I barely have time to cook for myself--but it is foolproof easy so give it a try--the bags of fresh cranberries have shown up at the grocery. You can also toss them into a lemon bread mix before you bake it--my wife calls it "the plague cake" because of all the burst cranberries against the pale cake color, but don't let that deter you--it's good.

[stargazer13]

12:59 PM on 11/19/2010

I add pecans plus cranberries to my real oat meal !

[Vickster]

12:06 AM on 11/17/2010

I recommend cranberry pancakes with maple syrup and a slice of butter. Also green beans with onion and cranberries, sauteed in butter with a dash or two of balsamic vinegar. Salt and pepper to taste.

[rikster]

09:37 PM on 11/18/2010

sounds great..

[stargazer13]

01:00 PM on 11/19/2010

I will try this sounds great