CATEGORY

Dried Cranberries

2009 CHEFSBEST® AWARD FOR BEST TASTE WINNER

Ocean Spray

What Makes Great Dried Cranberries?

Pay close attention, or you might mistake these little ruby gems for brightly colored candies. Cranberries make for a great snack, and can liven up a variety of dishes from salads to scones.

High-quality dried cranberries will have a bright red color with a moist appearance and both the skins and interior flesh intact. It’s fine if there are a few, but watch out for berries with too many seeds.

The best cranberries have a moderate aroma that lends a fresh, citrus smell.

Great dried cranberries balance sourness with sweetness. The sour taste should come on a little stronger, but not overwhelm the overall flavor.

A good cranberry will have a vibrant, bright taste that packs some punch, but won’t be overly acidic or sour. The texture of the cranberries’ skin should be slightly tender and moist.

We know what makes a great dried cranberry, but what makes a bad one?

You’ll know a bad dried cranberry when you come across one. They’ll have a tough skin, minimal flesh, and an abundance of seeds. The presence of all three can be a unpleasant combination, increasing the time it will take the berries to dissolve, and leaving an overly astringent taste in the mouth.

Why are Ocean Spray the best dried cranberries?

If you’re not on the cranberry bandwagon yet, it’s only because you haven’t met the Ocean Spray variety. These high-quality dried cranberries have a bright fruity flavor, low seed count, and well-rounded taste. They were toothsome without being tough, and delivered the appropriate cranberry taste.

Other Leading Brands:

Mariani, Sun-Maid