Cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)

Botanical name

Vaccinium vitis-idaeaHeather family (Ericaceae)

is used

The berriesalmost exclusively cooked

The taste

Herbaceous, slightly bitterBarely edible raw

Origin

Northern Europe, Central Uplandswild in coniferous forests and bogs

Known for

Procyanidins such as those found in cranberriesfor recurrent bladder infections

season

August to Octoberas compote all year round

On this page

Origin To use Ingredients Reinforced combinations & what clashes In the kitchen As a home remedy Ayurveda & TCM Warning notices Related to the topic Sources

In short

The lingonberry is the small, red cousin of the cranberry – and like it, rich in procyanidins, which make it difficult for bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall. A large Cochrane review shows that cranberries are associated with fewer recurrent bladder infections; for lingonberries, there is some initial evidence. It is tart and almost always eaten cooked.

OriginThe berry of the coniferous forests

In Scandinavia, cranberries are as commonplace as applesauce is in Germany – served with meatballs, game, and reindeer.

The lingonberry is a small, evergreen dwarf shrub of northern coniferous forests, heaths, and bogs. In Germany, it grows primarily in the low mountain ranges and the Alps; it is harvested like the blueberry, usually with the berry comb, which is prohibited in many protected areas.

Their natural benzoic acid makes them exceptionally durable – in the past, cranberries were preserved raw in water and kept all winter. The American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a close relative with larger berries; in our region it is often mistakenly called "cultivated cranberry".

To useWhat the cranberry can do for you

Cranberries contain Type A procyanidins, Anthocyanins, vitamin C, vitamin E, manganese, and dietary fiber. The procyanidins are the reason for the great research interest: In the laboratory, they make it more difficult for E. coli bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall.

For the related Cranberry A 2023 Cochrane review of 50 studies found that cranberry products reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections in women, children, and after surgical procedures. Less data exists for lingonberries; however, a Finnish study found that a lingonberry-cranberry juice significantly reduced recurrences in women.

The classification: Lingonberries and cranberries can help prevent recurring bladder infections - they do not treat acute infections and do not replace antibiotics when necessary.

50Studies in the Cochrane review on cranberry (2023)

Type AProcyanidins - the substance that prevents bacteria from adhering

over 40 %Sugar in some ready-made compotes - it's worth making your own.

MonthsPickled cranberries keep well thanks to benzoic acid.

IngredientsThis is what's in the cranberry

Cranberries contain fruit acids and little sugar., Procyanidins, Anthocyanins, flavonols such as quercetin, vitamin C, vitamin E, manganese, and dietary fiber. The natural Benzoic acid It has a preservative effect.

Like bearberry leaves, the leaves contain arbutin, a urinary tract disinfectant – but unlike the berries, they are not used as food. Commercial cranberry compote often contains over 40 percent sugar.

Enhanced combinationsWhat makes the cranberry stronger

Cranberries provide the acidity needed for hearty dishes - and they need a little sweetness to shine.

Hearty

to Game & Roast

The classic side dish for venison, wild boar and roasts.

Nordic

to Potatoes & Meatballs

Meatballs with mashed potatoes and cranberries.

Cheese

to Camembert & Raclette

Baked Camembert with cranberries.

sweetness

with Pear

Pear halves with cranberries - a classic accompaniment to game, sweetened without much sugar.

bubble

with lots of water

Those who want to take preventative measures should drink plenty of fluids – that is the most important protection.

Breakfast

in the Porridge

Dried cranberries in oats.

What contradicts itselfIt's best to avoid these combinations.

Sugar

not heavily sweetened daily

Ready-made compote and dried cranberries are heavily sweetened - even when cooking with little sugar.

infection

not instead of a doctor in case of acute infection

Fever, flank pain, or blood in the urine warrant a visit to the doctor.

Medications

be careful Warfarin

In isolated cases, increased blood thinning has been reported for cranberry – consult your doctor before consuming large quantities.

kidneys

not in quantities at Oxalate stones

Cranberry concentrates can increase oxalate excretion.

Raw

not raw in quantities

Very sour and bitter - more palatable when cooked.

Collect

not with Berry comb in the protected area

It damages the plants and is prohibited in many places.

In the kitchenWhere she belongs

Cranberry compoteCooked briefly with a little sugar.
Venison roastWith cranberries and pear.
MeatballsSwedish meatballs with cranberries.
Baked CamembertWith cranberries.
Cranberry pearsPear halves filled with compote.
Cranberry chutneyWith onion and vinegar.
PorridgeWith dried cranberries.
Cranberry juiceDiluted as a spritzer.
KaiserschmarrnWith cranberries instead of applesauce.
sauceFor poultry and duck.

Rule of thumb: Briefly boil the cranberries and simmer them with a little sugar – they will gel due to their own pectin. They will keep for many weeks in the refrigerator.

As a home remedyPrevention of recurring bladder infections

Here's how it works

Cranberry juice cure

Drink 200 ml of unsweetened cranberry or lingonberry juice diluted with water daily.
Alternatively, use low-sugar cranberry compote or standardized cranberry preparations.
Drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters throughout the day.
Maintain for several months - it's about prevention, not treatment.

For what

For women with recurrent urinary tract infections, as a preventative measure. The procyanidins make it difficult for bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall; drinking plenty of fluids also helps flush the bladder.

Crowd

One serving daily. Not a substitute for the treatment of an acute bladder infection. Consult a doctor beforehand if you are taking warfarin or have kidney stones.

Ayurveda & TCMWhat the old systems say

Ayurveda

Cranberries are not mentioned in classical Ayurveda. Based on their sour and tart taste, they would now be classified as reducing Kapha and increasing Pitta – cooked with a touch of sweetness, they are considered more digestible.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Even in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cranberries are not traditionally used. Modern classifications see them as acidic-cooling and as eliminating damp-heat in the lower burner – which aligns with their use in treating cystitis.

Warning noticesWhen you should be careful

Please note

Acute cystitis: Seek medical treatment, especially if you have a fever or flank pain.
Blood thinners: Coordinate large quantities of cranberry with warfarin.
Kidney stones: Use concentrated preparations with caution.
Sugar: Ready-made products are often heavily sweetened.
Confusion: Do not confuse them with the poisonous berries of lily of the valley or daphne - only collect berries that are definitely identified.

This page provides information and does not replace medical advice. If symptoms persist, please consult a doctor.

SourcesWhat is this based on?

Williams G et al. Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2023; (11): CD001321.
Kontiokari T et al. Randomized trial of cranberry-lingonberry juice and Lactobacillus GG drink for the prevention of urinary tract infections in women. BMJ 2001; 322(7302): 1571.
Howell AB et al. A-type cranberry proanthocyanidins and uropathogenic bacterial anti-adhesion activity. Phytochemistry 2005; 66(18): 2281–2291.
Kylli P et al. Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and European cranberry (Vaccinium microcarpon) proanthocyanidins: isolation, identification, and bioactivities. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2011; 59(7): 3373–3384.
Fineli - Finnish Food Database: Lingonberry.