Cranberry Facts

It is November and many of us are thinking about that tasty Thanksgiving meal.  So I was curious about cranberries.  Here are some interesting facts about that strange berry. 

*C​ranberries are one of three fruits native to North America.  The other two are the concord grape and the blueberry.
*The name "Cranberry" probably came about because the flower looked like the head of a crane.
*Ripe cranberries bounce-hence their alternate name "bounceberry".
*Cranberries are a hearty plant that thrives in acidic soil with few nutrients. 
* Contrary to popular belief, cranberries do not grow in water.  Cranberries are a perennial plant, that grow on low-running vines in sandy bogs and marshes.  Because cranberries float, some bogs are flooded when the fruit is ready for harvesting.
*Cranberries were used by Native Americans for food and medicine, the anti-inflammatory capabilities made it a powerful healing agent. 
* Cranberries were also used as fabric dyes.