This week I led a tour to Warrens, Wisconsin – cranberry country. We had an opportunity to see the cranberries being harvested from the bogs.

Some Facts about Cranberries:

• There are several theories as to the origin of the name ‘cranberry.’ One is that the open flowers look like the head of a crane; another is that cranes like to these sour berries.

• Good, ripe cranberries will bounce. Bounceberry is another name for them

• Small pockets of air inside the berry cause the cranberry to bounce. Air also causes berries to float in water.

• Contrary to popular belief, cranberries do not grow in water. A perennial plant, cranberries grow on low-running vines in sandy bogs and marshes. Because cranberries float, some bogs are flooded when the fruit is ready for harvesting. Others are harvested using machines that resemble lawnmowers that “comb” fresh cranberries off the vines.

• Cranberry juice was first made by American settlers in 1683.

• Americans consume some 400 million pounds of cranberries a year, 20 percent during Thanksgiving week.

• About 95% of cranberries are processed into juice, sauce, dried, etc. Only about 5% are sold fresh.

The day was beautiful – full sun and 73 degrees and the trees along Hwy 94 all the way to Warrens were displaying their fall colors.

After visiting The Wetherby Cranberry Farm, we made a stop at The Cranberry Discovery Center where we had a short tour and opportunity to purchase cranberry-related items. A bottle of cranberry raspberry wine came home with me. I had plans of saving it for Thanksgiving, but it looks so good I may just open it early . . .