Cranberry is the most valuable berry, which includes an impressive complex of useful substances. Of course, the fresh berry contains the largest amount of vitamins, but due to proper storage, it is possible not to lose the benefits even in the cold season. Let’s consider tips on how to store cranberries correctly in the winter in an apartment: with and without freezing, whole berries in water or mashed with sugar.
What is the benefit of cranberry
The benefits of this berry have been proven since ancient times – it has long been used to prepare compotes, jellies and morsas. It was the first remedy for anemia, for improving immunity and treating colds. Cranberry juice was used to treat fever, scurvy, and apply sores and severe wounds.
Later, it was also scientifically proven that the valuable complex of microelements of this berry contributes to the prevention of cancer and helps to withstand the fight against radiation sickness. Disorders of the urinary system, with weak intestinal muscles, fungal infections are also treated with cranberry, prescribing it to the patient fresh. Cranberry is indicated after heart attacks and strokes, because the favonoids contained in it increase the production of “good” cholesterol. Doctors also prescribe the use of these berries at the risk of miscarriages, anemia of pregnancy and female bleeding, the climacteric period and the post-operative stage of diseases.
Cranberry removes heavy metals and radioactive substances, so it is especially valuable for people in hazardous production. Iron, cobalt, zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins A, K, C – this is far from a complete list of useful trace elements contained in this berry.
Contraindication
One hundred percent cranberry juice is contraindicated for people with stomach diseases, increased secretion and the presence of ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, as the increased acid content can worsen the situation. Intestinal disorders are also possible with abuse. A healthy person is allowed to drink no more than 100 grams of one hundred percent cranberry juice per day.
How to store frozen
Before storing, cranberry berries must be prepared: this is the only way to achieve maximum benefit and freshness:
- Berries collected in September-October are carefully sorted from twigs and leaves, and overripe, bruised specimens are removed. Rotten, brown, green cranberries are also isolated.
- Everything is washed under running water, dried in a colander and additionally placed on a clean colander to drain the water. After such a simple procedure, you can start storage.
Cranberries are stored frozen in the freezer, placed in a tightly closed bag or container.
And what to do if there is not enough space for berries in the freezer? In country houses and villages, cranberries have long been stored in the cold, for example, in a box located outside a warm dwelling. In the conditions of modern apartments, this berry can be taken out to an unheated balcony in winter or hung out of the window in a bag outside.
How to store without freezing
Alternatively, it can be placed in glass jars and stored in the refrigerator. This method provides two options: with sugar and without. In both cases, the berry will not spoil.
You can send a container with cranberries to the balcony, however, if it is not glass. In severe frosts, the glass may crack, so it is better to choose a plastic or enameled bucket. Pans made of aluminum and similar metals are absolutely not suitable, since when interacting with acid, they can be a source of severe poisoning.
Cellar or basement is also an option if there is a private house. At the same time, in any case, the vitamin complex of the berry will not be affected, thanks to the benzoic acid contained in it.
How to store in water
This method requires clean water and well-washed dishes. Acceptable plastic containers, such as milk or water bottles, have been thoroughly washed. For large volumes, enameled pans, plastic buckets with lids are suitable.
- The cranberries are washed in cold water, the defect is removed.
- Everything is poured into a ready-made container, poured with cold boiled water. All. Nothing more is needed.
- The container is sent to a glazed loggia, a refrigerator or a basement.
The only condition: the container with water must not freeze. Frozen water after thawing will spoil the berry, and the product will be unusable.
How to store pureed cranberries
Pureed berries are very tasty, do not require cooking and can replace jam. These delicacies are indispensable for a cold or flu, so they must be prepared in case of illness.
- Cranberries are washed, spoiled berries and branches are removed.
- They put it on a colander, on an old cloth.
- They are placed in a large clean container and mixed with sugar at the rate of one to one.
- All contents are scrolled through a meat grinder or in a blender.
- Everything is laid out in small jars, closed with lids and put in the refrigerator for storage.
This raw jam can be used to make jelly, fruit juice, and to prepare a pie or cupcake filling.
10 useful tips
After placing the berry in an enamel pan, you need to make sure that there are no chips. Even minor gaps in the enamel expose the harmful metal, which, when interacting with acid, can be a source of severe food poisoning.
It is best to immediately distribute the harvested crop according to the sources of storage , because an unpicked berry spoils faster. Crumpled, overripe berries are sent for processing, while elastic and unripe ones are ideal for long-term storage.
Cranberries harvested at the end of September or October are suitable for long-term storage. Spring, overripe cranberries are sweeter, but absolutely not suitable for long-term storage. Vitamins are also less in it, especially iron and zinc are lost.
Benzoic acid, contained in cranberries, resists any harmful microorganisms. That is why this berry can not spoil without heat treatment, sugar and additional preservatives. Cranberry has similar properties.
It is impossible to add other berries to cranberries, for example, currants or viburnum , as spoilage is inevitable during such storage. You can cook a very tasty compote from such a tandem, but only when stored separately.
It is better to store a berry slightly affected by frost in the freezer. This will ensure better preservation and benefit.
Masks with cranberry juice are famous for their rejuvenating effect. A course of such masks noticeably reduces wrinkles, saturates the deep layers of the skin with vitamins and moisture. The result is elastic, healthy skin and a fresh, rested look!
Cranberry perfectly cleanses. By gently scrubbing the skin with several berries, you can achieve perfect smoothness, and with regular use (once every ten days) – a lasting effect no worse than salon procedures.
Cranberry juice is an excellent alternative to expensive hair conditioner. Just rub some juice into your hair after washing and wash it off after a few minutes. Hair becomes silky and shiny, dandruff disappears, and with regular use, their growth improves.
Cranberry has powerful disinfecting properties, and thanks to the high acid content, it also cleans lime scale well . Taps and door handles wiped with cranberry juice will shine like new, like when using an expensive antibacterial detergent.
Cranberry is an ideal berry for long-term storage. With or without sugar, frozen and fresh, it can last up to a year, while preserving the entire set of useful substances.