Cranberries are a staple of Wisconsin agriculture and a sign of fall as you drive through miles of red bogs in central Wisconsin. Home to over 250 marshes (the official term for ground in Wisconsin where cranberries are grown), Wisconsin produces more than half of the world’s cranberries. Grant Holley, Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, shared five things you may not know about the iconic red berries.
1. Which state grows the most cranberries?
While states such as Massachusetts and New Jersey are well known for cranberry production, Wisconsin leads the industry. The state produces two-thirds of the nation’s cranberries and more than half of the world’s supply, holding the top production spot for about 32 years. Wisconsin is home to at least 250 marshes, including individual operations that yield more fruit than other states combined. Despite this market dominance, local growers remain quiet and humble, focusing on their land rather than industry titles.
2. Do cranberries grow in water?
It is a widespread misconception that cranberries grow submerged in water. In reality, cranberry vines grow in dry, sandy soil and peat. Water is introduced only during harvest. Since cranberries naturally float, growers flood the beds and run specialized tractors to gently dislodge the berries from the vines. Once floating on the water’s surface, the fruit is gathered using specialized suction pumps.
3. How can you cook with cranberries beyond baked goods?
Many people reserve cranberries for baked goods or canned side dishes, but they are a versatile ingredient. When used in savory dishes, their flavor is showcased. Consider using them to stuff poultry, including turkey and duck. Using fresh, sweetened dried, or flavored varieties like cinnamon or jalapeño pair nicely with meat.
4. What are the health benefits of cranberries?
Beyond high levels of fiber, vitamin C, copper and magnesium, cranberries contain proanthocyanidin A, commonly known as PAC. This compound is responsible for the fruit’s ability to combat urinary tract infections. Rather than directly destroying bacteria, PAC makes organisms like E. coli slippery, preventing them from clinging to cell walls. In turn, it allows the body to flush them out naturally. Early laboratory data suggests this mechanism could offer benefits against other pathogenic bacteria as well.
5. How long do cranberry plants live?
Cranberries are native to Wisconsin. Some commercial vines are between 90 and 100 years old and continue to produce fruit today. They thrive in a natural ecosystem alongside native soil fungi, bacteria and spiders that help regulate pest populations. Cranberry plants are cold-hardy perennials that withstand harsh northern winters. To manage labor during the fall harvest, growers plant different cultivars across their marshes to stagger ripening dates from early September through November.
From century-old vines to flooded fall marshes, cranberries are a true Wisconsin success story. The next time you add them to a holiday table, a savory dish or your morning juice, remember the dedicated growers who care for the land and keep Wisconsin at the top of the cranberry industry year after year. At Rural Mutual Insurance, we’re proud to protect the farm families and agricultural operations that make our state’s harvest traditions possible. Reach out to your local agent to learn more about how to protect your cranberry operation.
