cranberry season is here!

Tis the season for family get-togethers, warm wishes, cold weather, and cranberries! The cranberry is a traditional item found on most tables this Thanksgiving and during Christmas. I had the opportunity to interview Ocean Spray's COO Ken Romanzi, North America, to find out a little more about the little crimson treats.

1.)    Why the name Ocean Spray? 

a.       In 1912, the first canned cranberry sauce was created and sold under the Ocean Spray brand name by lawyer turned cranberry grower Marcus L.Urann.  In 1930, Cranberry Canners, Inc. was established through the merger of three cranberry growers Marcus L. Urann, Elizabeth Lee, and John C. Makepeace, who shared a common goal of expanding the market for their crops.  In 1946, the company changed its name to the National Cranberry Association, and finally in 1959, the company took on the brand name of their first and primary consumer product – Ocean Spray!

2.)    Ocean Spray cranberries are grown in the North East and West of America. Why are these colder climates essential when growing cranberries?

a.       The seasonal changes and cooler temperatures of the North East and West create just the right climate for growing cranberries. A bog is a soft, marshy ground with acid peat soil, usually near wetlands, where cranberries grow on long-running vines. These types of fertile, marshy areas are most commonly found in Massachusetts, NJ, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin as well as some parts of British Colombia and Quebec. 

3.)    What are some of the main health benefits of Ocean Spray Cranberries?

a.       Cranberries not only taste good, but they are also good for you. One 8-ounce serving of Cranberry Juice Cocktail twice daily may help promote urinary tract health, and one 1/4 cup serving fresh cranberries or a 1/3 cup serving of dried cranberries or cranberry sauce can also provide this benefit. Plus, they are rich in antioxidants! 

4.)    Why should consumers choose Ocean Spray over other brands?

a.       As you may know, Ocean Spray is a cooperative of more than 700 growers, many of whom are second, third and even fourth generation growers. All of our cranberries are harvested with care by our grower families, and we continually strive to offer our fans the best and most diverse cranberry products. Whether it’s Light, Diet, Sparkling, 100% juice or traditional cranberry or grapefruit, Ocean Spray offers consumers a variety of choices.

5.)    Can cranberries be used for things other than cooking? Like decorations?

a.       Yes! Cranberries not only pair well with food, but they also make for creative, easy-to-make holiday crafts. Ocean Spray’s Plan-It guide lists all of the crafts that incorporate cranberries – anything from place cards to centerpieces to wreaths. All of them can be found here: http://oceanspray.com/Kitchen/Plan-It.aspx
 

You learn something new everyday! One of my favorite Ocean Spray products is the Diet Sparkling Cranberry Juice. Only 10 calories and so much easier than mixing your own seltzer and cranberry juice, and you can pack a bunch for work or a picnic with ease!