• As we move into the heart of autumn, the fresh, tart taste of cranberries is back in season, signaling that the holidays are just around the corner. From Thanksgiving to holiday feasts, cranberries add a vibrant flavor to countless dishes, whether in sauces, relishes, or desserts. To enjoy their seasonal appeal all year round, why not can your own cranberries? With just a few steps, you can make a holiday staple that’s ready whenever you need it.

Why Stock Up on Cranberries Now?

Cranberries are a fantastic seasonal addition to holiday meals and offer impressive health benefits. They’re packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients, including vitamin C and fiber, which support overall health. Cranberries are especially beneficial for women, known for promoting urinary tract health. Canning cranberries now allows you to preserve these perks well into the new year, extending their enjoyment beyond fall and winter.

 

Mylar Bags

 

How to Make Dehydrated Cranberries

Dehydrated cranberries are a great option for snacking, baking, or adding a chewy texture to salads and trail mixes. Making them is straightforward and requires minimal equipment.

1. Sort and Wash: Begin by selecting high-quality, fresh cranberries, discarding any that are damaged or overripe. Wash and dry the berries thoroughly.
  • Prepare for Dehydration:
  • Place the cleaned cranberries in a bowl and coat with a tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Add 1/4 cup of sugar or a sugar alternative to lightly sweeten and coat

  • Bake and Dehydrate:
  • Line a tray with parchment paper and spread the cranberries in a single layer.
  • Bake at 450°F (232°C) for 15 minutes to help them release some of their moisture.
    1. Store: Once cooled, transfer the dehydrated cranberries into Mylar bags or airtight containers with oxygen absorbers to lock in freshness for up to a year.

    Canning Cranberries for the Holidays

    Canned cranberries are a versatile holiday essential, perfect for relishes, sauces, or even gift-giving. Here’s a simple guide to canning cranberries at home:

    1. Gather Fresh Ingredients: Start with as many fresh cranberries as you need for long-term storage.
    2. Sort and Clean: Sort through the cranberries, setting aside any that are bruised or damaged. Rinse the remaining berries thoroughly.
    3. Prepare the Cranberries: Remove any stems. For a fun family activity, involve the kids in prepping cranberries for canning.
    4. Make a Simple Syrup: To your preferred sweetness, prepare a sugar syrup. Thicker syrup will result in a sweeter product, ideal for holiday dishes.
      • Fill and Seal the Jars:
      • Fill sterilized jars halfway with cranberries, then add the sugar syrup, leaving a little headspace to allow for expansion.
      • Seal the jars tightly to ensure long-term freshness.

      1. Storage with Food-Safe Buckets: To protect the jars from damage and preserve freshness, place the filled jars in food-safe buckets. This added layer of storage helps prevent accidental cracking, which can lead to spoilage.

      Tips for Long-Lasting Storage with Wallaby Products

      Pairing your cranberry preservation efforts with Wallaby’s food-safe buckets, Mylar bags, and oxygen absorbers can extend their shelf life significantly. Storing canned cranberries in food-safe buckets safeguards against temperature fluctuations and provides added protection during winter storage.

      Homemade Cranberries for Every Occasion

      Homemade canned cranberries are not only a delicious addition to holiday meals, but they’re also free of preservatives and excessive sugars often found in store-bought options. By preparing your own pantry staples, you can maintain a nutritious, flavorful supply for all your seasonal cooking.


      For more holiday-ready food prep and storage ideas, visit Wallaby to explore a full range of Mylar bags, food-safe buckets, and oxygen absorbers designed to make food preservation easy and effective.

      Get ready for the holiday season with Wallaby’s trusted food storage solutions – visit the online store today!

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