As the colours of fall brighten the tree line, thought turn, with gratitude to rich harvest. With Thanksgiving around the corner, we decided to visit
Johnston's Cranberry Marsh to learn a little more about that little red treasure.
Originally named the Crane-berry after the crane-like features of its late spring flower, the cranberry grows in acid, sandy soil enjoying warm summer days. This low lying vine never needs replanting. It can continue to produce for years. These cranberries are in a field planted in the 1950's.
Cranberries are ripe when they are white in colour. The red colouration occurs as the berries are exposed to colder weather. The higher the berry grows on the vine, the more exposed it is to the weather. Higher berries turn red sooner than the berries growing closer to the ground.
Because the cranberry has air pockets, it has been discovered that it will float. Gone are the days of hand-picking (like a blueberry). Instead fields are flooded when the berry is ready for harvest and the floating berries are collected.
Berries are sorted by colour and state of the berry. White berries are rarely sold because most people prefer the red ones. Bruised berries are used for juice or wine. Unblemished red berries are sold fresh or frozen.
What is a trip to the cranberry marsh without a stop to sample Muskoka Lakes Wineries finest? Offering White Cranberry, Georgian Bay Rose, Red Maple, Cranberry, Cranberry-Blueberry, and Cranberry Spritzer, it is hard to choose.
