(Images courtesy of New England Cranberry Company)

Cranberries are no longer just for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Consumers have been buying cranberry products at such a rate that a cranberry shortage has been predicted for next year. In response to the rapidly rising demand companies introduced 900 new products containing cranberries in 2007; an astounding rate of growth compared to the 54 new products launched the year before, according to the research firm Mintel.

Aside from wanting a taste of the flavorful little red berries, the incredible growth in consumer demand is also being attributed to a raft of studies citing the health benefits of cranberry consumption. Cranberries have long been valued for their ability to help prevent and treat urinary tract infections. Now, recent studies suggest that this indigenous American berry may also promote gastrointestinal and oral health, prevent the formation of kidney stones, lower LDL and raise HDL (good) cholesterol, aid in recovery from stroke, and even help prevent cancer.

An article in Europe's NutraIngredients.com reports, "The traditional yuletide condiment has been used in scores of new products - from fruit juice, to snack bars and cereals."

If you'd like to read the NutraIngredients.com article on the topic go to: Cranberry not just for Christmas

If you'd like to purchase some all natural, healthful cranberry products from Massachusetts go to any of the following:
Cranberry Pepper Jelly
Cranberry Apple Chutney
Cranberry All Fruit
Colonial Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Chutney
New England Cranberry Variety Mix