Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

Other names: cranberry, cranberry, cranberry, cranberry, American cranberry, Canadian cranberry, true cranberry

The large-fruited cranberry, otherwise known as the large-fruited cranberry, cranesbill, cranesbill, American cranberry, Canadian cranberry, or true cranberry, is a plant in the heath family that is native to North America. It is considered a raw material with a very wide range of uses, mainly due to its exceptional effects on human health. This plant is characterised by its dark red fruits, which are the size of pea-sized grains and have a characteristic sour taste.

It is the taste of these fruits that is very attractive to many people and also allows for a wide range of uses. The large-fruited cranberry is usually made into jams, marmalades, fruit juices, wine and is sometimes dried and used as such. It is also used in the production of teas and herbal blends. Due to its high content of vitamin C and other antioxidant substances, it is also a common ingredient in various dietary supplements and immune-boosting preparations. Abroad, it is often served as a traditional accompaniment to roast turkey at Thanksgiving. More recently, extracts from the large-leaved cranberry have also been increasingly used in cosmetics, where they are valued for their antioxidant properties and ability to fight skin ageing.