According to the Massachusetts Cranberries Association, the Pilgrims called the pink flowers of the plant “crane berries” because they resembled cranes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these brightly colored berries are tart but flavorful when fresh. This is why dried cranberries often have a lot of sugar added—Department of Agriculture. However, in their natural state, cranberries can be incredibly nutritious. According to the USDA, one cup of cranberries has only 46 calories and 3.6 grams of fiber, a vital nutrient Americans lack. Cranberries also contain antioxidants, vitamins C, E, and K.
Eating more cranberries is good for your health. But how can you enjoy them without sugar? You have a few great options. To reduce the tartiness, you can cook cranberries on the stovetop. You can enjoy them on top of oatmeal or in a savory meal such as roasted poultry. They can also be combined with another naturally sweet fruit to boost nutrition without the ruffle. This delicious smoothie does precisely that.
Easy Cranberry Smoothie
The unsung heroes in the world of fruit are cranberries. According to Cleveland Clinic, these little crimson berries contain valuable nutrients, including antioxidants, fibers, manganese, and vitamins C, E, and K. The tartness of the cranberries, combined with the sweetness of the banana, creates a tasty smoothie that doesn’t require any sugar. This smoothie is made with only three ingredients and is as simple to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients
One medium banana peeled and frozen
1 cup fresh cranberries
Peel one orange fresh
Directions
1Blend all ingredients on high for about 1 minute. Add a little cold water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
