Where to buy fresh cranberries? Or where to buy frozen cranberries? Thanks to the amazing health benefits and delicious taste of cranberries, many people are trying to get their hands on them. Scientific studies have highlighted their unique nutritional value and health benefits such as UTI prevention.
However, depending on where you live and what season it is, it may be difficult to find them. Cranberries typically grow in cool climates like Northern America and Northern Europe, and they are highly seasonal, the harvest being in the fall. The good news is that you nowadays, you can enjoy these super berries even outside their harvest season or if you don’t live in an area where they are grown.
Find below the 3 best places where to buy cranberries (fresh, frozen, or as cranberry powder) near you!
Fresh U.S. cranberries are only harvested in the fall and are available at your local grocery store from September through January.
In a Local Market – Autumn Only
If you are lucky to be in a region where cranberries grow, you can buy fresh cranberries at a local farmers’ market or fruit market. Just bear in mind the seasonal nature of the berries – typically, fresh cranberries are available around September – December.
If you visit a region with wild cranberries (they typically in grow in swamps in cool climates such as Canada, New England, Finland), make sure to specifically ask for wild cranberries. Cultivated cranberries are more commonly available, but they have much less taste and nutritional value than wild cranberries. You’ll notice the difference once you try!
In Your Grocery Store – All-Year-Round
Often, you can buy frozen cranberries in bigger grocery stores and supermarkets. Frozen cranberries are usually available all-year-round. Freezing the berries maintains their nutritional value and taste rather well.
Frozen cranberries usually come from countries like Canada, United States, or Northern European countries such as Poland, Estonia, and Finland. It’s good to pay attention to the country of origin and if possible, go for a country of origin known for its clean, unpolluted nature, like Finland or Canada.
Also, keep in mind most of the frozen cranberries sold in grocery stores are not wild. Firstly, cultivated berries are much easier to find in stores. Secondly, they tend to be cheaper than wild berries. Thirdly, and most importantly, they have a lower nutritional value than wild berries. Berries that are not wild usually grow in big farms around the world.
In summary, we recommend that you check the product label, be aware of your options, and decide according to your values.
I Bought Every Single One! Making Homemade Cranberry Juice
FAQ
Can I buy cranberries year round?
What time of year can you buy cranberries?
Can I get fresh cranberries in summer?
Are cranberries still in season?
When can I buy fresh cranberries?
* The availability of fresh cranberries is limited because the harvest season is very short. Harvesting begins in September and continues through November, and fresh cranberries may be purchased during that time. We suggest that you stock up on fresh cranberries during the fall season and freeze an amount that will last you through the year!
Do dried cranberries still have health benefits?
Yes, they are sources of bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins, procyanidins and flavonols that have beneficial effects above all on the urinary tract but also against cancer, vascular diseases and digestive health.
Where can I buy cranberries?
Their recipes range from salads, meals, and smoothies to holiday favorites and even some fun cocktails. You can order their cranberries straight from their website, or find them in one of almost 5,000 stores nationwide. 3. Fresh Meadows Farm
Should you buy cranberries from a farmers’ market?
When purchasing from a farmers’ market, you’ll be able to be a little choosier. When approaching cranberries at the grocery store, look for a bag that appears to contain very firm berries. Firmer is fresher. You also want berries that are as plump as possible. If possible, hold your bag of berries up to the light to check for any blemishes.