Cranberry: A Funny Berry

“I'm the plowman in the valley with a face full of mud…
I'm the man who walks the hillsides in the sweet summer sun
I'm the man that brings you roses when you ain't got none” - Rolling Stones, Loving Cup

Cranberries are a funny berry. Both humans and bees find them twist-your-face-sour. Cranberries have a naturally tart flavor due to compounds called tannins. Cranberries are one of the richest natural sources of rare proanthocyanidins—antioxidants that support urinary tract health. Cranberries contain other beneficial antioxidants, including flavonoids and vitamin C that contribute to their sharp, puckering taste. Our cranberry is potent, 100% cranberry made from the whole fruit. So while cranberry goes down sour, thanks to its nutrient mix it comes out easy!

Farmers grow cranberries in large bogs—shallow freshwater areas filled with decomposing plant matter. Interestingly, bees tend to have a sour reaction to cranberry bogs. An old-time beekeeper gave me a folk explanation why–the bog’s distinct scent. Decaying plant material, like peat, gives off an earthy, woody, and slightly acidic aroma. This folk explanation may be right. I have moved bees into cranberry bogs for pollination and they quickly get ornery and mean. When we moved the bees out, they became much more agreeable within a couple days. This change points to something that comes, and goes, quick, like a whiff of tannins.

Don’t worry humans, the bees’ anger is short-lived. We can enjoy the distinctive flavor and uncommon health benefits of cranberry in good conscience.

Because cranberries are so sour, cranberry culinary applications are a study in mellowing. How do you temper and contrast the punchy sour with other flavors? It may be rather obvious what a beekeeper would do, but we know no other cranberry honeys.

We made this product knowing it was really tasty, but we looked to you all to shine a light on its culinary potential. People use our Cranberry Tart Creamed Honey to draw out other flavors–with cheeses, wines, or as the sour note in chocolatey desserts. Other people use it in teas or on toast. Let us know how you like it. We’re delighted to make something people enjoy, especially when they come together with other people they love. Delicious is great, but shared deliciousness? That makes a heart swell.

Cranberry is a curious feature of northeastern indigenous American tribes coming together. Despite cranberries' punchy taste, maybe because of it, indigenous Americans often gifted cranberries. When people came together in communion, to solemnify peace, or to form families, cranberries were often part of the ritual.

Amen to that. Let’s, as people, come together*

*Cranberry Tart is delicious but not necessary

Check it out! Click here to try our cranberry tart honey!