Using Fresh Cranberries

Did you know that you can tell how fresh a cranberry is by how high it bounces? Ocean Spray® Fresh Cranberries are just bursting with great taste, ready to jump into any holiday recipe. Click on these common questions about fresh cranberries for a quick answer.

When can I get fresh cranberries?

How do I store fresh cranberries?

  • Store fresh cranberries in the refrigerator in their original plastic bag, just as you bought them, for up to two weeks.

Can I freeze fresh cranberries?

  • Fresh cranberries freeze nicely. Freeze cranberries, without pre-washing, in their original plastic bag for up to one year.

  • Buy extra bags of fresh cranberries and freeze them for year-round use.

How long can I store fresh cranberries in the refrigerator? In the freezer?

  • Fresh cranberries stored in the refrigerator are usually good for up to 2 weeks. We suggest freezing them if you are not going to use them within two weeks. Cranberries will freeze nicely and last up to one year.

How do I use fresh cranberries?

  • To prepare cranberries for cooking, sort out soft berries and stems. Sometimes a few white cranberries are in the bag. They are fine to use, they just haven't been exposed to as much sunlight as the red ones.

  • Rinse berries well with water and drain in a colander.

  • It's easy to make your own Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce and check out more great recipes that showcase fresh cranberries.

How do I use frozen cranberries?

  • DO NOT THAW frozen cranberries before using. Simply rinse in cold water and use as directed for fresh cranberries.

  • Frozen berries can be chopped in a food processor (one bag or 3 cups / 750 mL at a time).

How many fresh cranberries are in a bag?

What about nutrition?

  • There are 25 calories in 1/2 cup (125 mL) of fresh cranberries and 10% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C, plus plenty of natural antioxidants

  • Fresh cranberries contain no cholesterol, virtually no fat, and very little sodium.

How do I prepare cranberries for cooking?

  • First sort out any soft berries and stems. Rinse berries in cold water, drain well and use as the recipe directs. There are three cups (750 mL) of cranberries in a 340 g bag of Ocean Spray® Fresh Cranberries. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before using.

  • Your recipe should specify whether to use chopped cranberries or not. If it doesn't, be sure to measure your cranberries before chopping them. Follow this guide:

    • If the recipe says to use "1 cup (250 mL) cranberries" chop the cranberries first, then measure them.

    • If the recipe says to use "1 cup (250 mL) cranberries, chopped" measure the cranberries first, then chop them.

Can I substitute Ocean Spray® Craisins® Sweetened Dried Cranberries for fresh cranberries?

  • Yes, Craisins® Sweetened Dried Cranberries work well in baked goods; however, there is a 1/4 cup (60 mL) difference in measurement. If a recipe calls for one cup of fresh cranberries you should use 3/4 cup (175 mL) of Craisins®.

  • Craisins® should not be used in cooked sauces. Since they are a dried fruit, they do not contain the pectin necessary for the sauce to gel.