Cranberry

Cranberry
This large genus includes some 450 species of evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous, often stoloniferous, shrubs and trees that occur in a wide range of habitats from the tropics to the arctic. The most important species medicinally are cranberries (American Vaccinium macrocarpon, and European V. myrtillus), and blueberries (mainly from the American V. corymbosum). Cranberries were an important item in the winter diet of native N Americans, being an essential ingredient of pemmican, made from crushed dried berries, meat, and fat. They were first cultivated in 1816 and now constitute a major agricultural crop in areas of sandy marshes and wet coastal meadows in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin. The medicinal use of cranberries to treat urinary tract disorders was first investigated scientifically in the 19th century, and early observations concluded that the therapeutic effects depended on their high acidity. It is now thought that cranberry juice contains a polymer that prevents bacterial colonization of tissues in the urinary tract. Pure cranberry juice is about as sour as lemon juice; it is sweetened mainly with corn syrup, blended with sweeter fruits, or processed into powder for capsules. Research into the beneficial effects of bilberry and blueberry fruits is focused on their high content of anthocyanosides, which in commercial preparations is standardized at 25-36 percent. These substances have potent antioxidant effects, improving blood flow to skin, eyes, and nervous system, and thus preventing microcirculatory deterioration that results in mental and physical aging. In addition, the leaves of V. myrtillus contain glucoquinones, which reduce blood sugar levels. Vaccilium myrtillus is seldom cultivated but bilberries are commonly harvested from the wild in Europe. Highbush blueberries, derived from V. corymbosum, are grown on a large scale in the USA, Australia and New Zealand; there are numerous cultivars. Arbutin, which acts as a urinary antiseptic, is present in most Vaccinium species, and in other members of the heather family, such as Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (See, Bearberry). Leaves of V. vitis-idaea (cowberry), which contain up to 7 percent arbutin, are used to treat urinary tract infections, cystitis, diabetes, and diarrhea.

Prostrate, mat-forming, evergreen shrub with dark green, elliptic-oblong leaves, to 2cm (¾in) long, that turn bronze in winter. Pendent, bell-shaped pink flowers, 1cm (½in) across, appear in summer, followed by spherical red fruits, to 2cm (&190;in) across.

Common Name:

Cranberry

Botanical Name:

Vaccinium macrocarpon

Genus:

Vaccinium

Family:

Ericaceae

Native Location:

Eastern N America

Cultivation:

Moist, peaty or sandy, lime-free soil in sun or partial shade. Trim in spring to encourage bushy growth.

Propagation:

By seed sown in autumn (species only); by greenwood cuttings of deciduous species in early summer; by semi-ripe cuttings of evergreen species in mid- to late summer; by layering in late summer.

Harvest:

Leaves are picked in spring and dried for decoctions. Fruits are collected in late summer and juiced, or dried for decoctions, and liquid extracts. Juice is further processed into concentrate powders.

Variations:

Early Black
Bears small to medium fruits that turn red-black when ripe. Adaptable plants ripening simultaneously and coloring well when picked green.

Franklin
Is early, bearing medium to large dark red fruits that store well.

Height:

15cm (6in)

Width:

Indefinite

Hardiness:

Z2-7

Parts Used:

Fruits

Properties:

An acidic, anti-bacterial herb that acidifies and deodorizes the urine, and protects against urinary tract infections and formation of stones.

Medicinal Uses:

Internally for urinary tract infections (notably recurrent cystitis), urinary stones, and incontinence.

Drug Interactions:

Lansoprazole, Omeprazole, Warfarin

Culinary Uses:

Fresh fruits are made into sauces, drinks, jellies, syrups, ice cream, and desserts. Dried, sweetened fruits, known as "craisins" are used in baking and added to breakfast cereals.

Economic Uses:

Fruit pulp is used as a commercial food colorant.

Bibliography: