Jersey’s favorite son may be Bruce Springsteen, however Jersey’s favorite son when it comes to fruit may be the cranberry. While it’s not the type of sweet treat picked off the vine, bush, or tree, the tart cranberry plentiful here. Furthermore, it’s applications are wider than you may think. From jellied cranberry sauce, to hot sauce and salsa. From cranberry breads and muffins, to candy, cookies and even pies. If you look hard enough, you can find this superfood, that is a boost to your immune system and your digestive tract, without leaving you feeling “bogged down”.
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Cranberries in brewing.
It’s post Halloween now, and eyes begin to turn toward Thanksgiving. That means with all apologies to pumpkin pie, it’s cranberry season! That means cranberry beer. According to a 2021 article by the Chicago Tribune, while no one knows if cranberries were eaten at the first Thanksgiving, the fruit has become a staple at Thanksgiving dinners and, increasingly, in beers that roll out around this time every year. Furthermore, the article states that while there is no shortage of breweries incorporating cranberries this time of year, many of those beers aren’t very good. They’re too astringent or too sweet as it can be difficult to find the right balance. However, some brewers have found ways to highlight the flavor of the berries without making a beer that’s too tart or overly sweetened.
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Cranberry beer brewing at the Jersey Shore.
As is the case across the country this time of year, some local Jersey breweries are doing their own take on incorporating cranberries into their beer. Much like pumpkin beers, each cranberry ale, gose, or lager, has it’s own distinct flavor. Some highlight the cranberry as the star of the show. Meanwhile, others brew their beer with the intent to have the cranberry as a subtle note in the background.
. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
Here are some great Cranberry Beers from around the country: https://mybartender.com/beers/best-cranberry-beers/
(Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
However it’s done, here are some fantastic cranberry beers worth trying this Holiday Season from local Jersey Breweries.
