wigwam in cranberry field

In the past, cranberries grew in America only, when Native Americans still ruled the land.

This means that the origin of the cranberry lies in America, just like that of potatoes, tobacco, peanuts and of course popcorn and cola.

Potatoes are boring, tobacco is a controversial stimulant these days and popcorn and cola were developed long after the Native Americans were driven out of the New World.

In this day and age, peanuts are everywhere, but the cranberry has remained loyal to its natural place of origin. The cranberry has managed to reach a small number of places in the world, consequently leading to small cranberry cultures. However, the vast majority of the (best) cranberries are still found in the Northern states of the US and in Southern Canada, as these regions have optimal conditions in which the cranberry can grow and flourish. Where strawberries from ‘cold soil’ taste better than strawberries from a greenhouse or warmer soil, cranberries thrive best in sour peat containing a top layer of sand and having sufficient sweet water in the vicinity. Add to this a mild-cool climate, and the cranberry is completely in its element. The fact is, it is the autumnal cold that provides the initially hard berries their beautiful deep ruby red colour.

’berry pickers’’

Not only did the Native Americans know about the cranberry’s edibility, they appreciated the berry for numerous reasons. For instance, the cranberry was a symbol of peace; men whom ate cranberries were seen as peaceful men, peacemakers who would promote harmony amongst the peoples.

Thus the Native Americans attributed a beneficial effect to the cranberry. The berry would perform miracles for one’s health.

These days too, some people eat cranberries for their beneficial properties. We, however, focus mainly on another aspect of the cranberry: its delicious flavour.

The photos of the berry pickers and the wigwam in the cranberry field are taken from the McCormick Library of Special Collections, Northwestern Univ. Library, Edward Curtis' "The North American Indian."