These heather-like, wetland perennial fruits grow on trailing vines in natural, acidic bogs in the cooler parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

The wild fruits were originally gathered by Native Americans for use as food, dye and medicine; but now these striking berries are grown on more than 1,000 smallholdings, stretching from New England to Quebec.

In the past, at harvest time towards the end of September or early October, the berries were dry harvested, that is, picked by hand. These days, however, the North American industry has grown to such a large extent that mechanical harvesters and a wet-harvesting method are used.

The crops are dramatically submerged and the cranberries collected from the vines by a mechanical harvester before being boomed, corralled, and cleaned on a conveyor.

They are then sucked up into waiting juggernauts to be taken to factories to be made into juices, jellies and sauces, or sweetened and dried for eating as snacks.

Visit our beautiful gallery of cranberries from the vine to the glass.

HOW TO GROW CRANBERRIES

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CRANBERRIES

WHERE TO BUY PLANTS

HOW TO GROW CRANBERRIES

Cranberries can be grown in ericaceous, damp conditions in your own garden, in tubs or window boxes, and even in hanging baskets prepared with acidic soil and kept watered.

They prefer a moderate climate – neither too hot nor too cold – and the shrubs grow well as ground cover beneath blueberry bushes. Plant out mature (two- to three-year-old) plants in spring or autumn, placing several together to ensure cross-pollination.

Fruits swell as they ripen and are ready for picking around September. After harvesting, lightly prune plants to keep them in shape and remove any old, woody stems. If growing in containers, ensure that moisture levels are maintained, and feed annually with rhododendron or azalea (ericaceous) fertiliser.

Recommended varieties include Pilgrim, Stevens and Howes.

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF CRANBERRIES

Cranberries contain naturally occurring antioxidants, proanthocyanidins (PACs), which stop bad bacteria from taking hold inside the body.

Cranberry juice has been used to prevent cystitis for many years, but current research shows cranberries' anti-stick power can work beyond the bladder, protecting stomach, heart and even oral health.

A 250ml glass of Ocean Spray Classic Cranberry can help keep your PAC levels topped up for up to ten hours. Find further health studies online at Oceanspray.co.uk.

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WHERE TO BUY PLANTS

Chris Bower & Sons, 01366 388752, Chrisbowers.co.uk. Stock includes Early Black.

The Dorset Blueberry Company, 01202 891426, Dorsetblueberry.co.uk. Stocks Pilgrim, Stevens and Howes.

Thompson & Morgan, 0844 248 5383, Thompson-morgan.com. Stocks Pilgrim.

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