As cranberry harvest season comes to a close and the beautiful berries find themselves on your grocery store shelves, it’s the perfect time to learn about one of Wisconsin’s star commodities. We sat down with Crandall Cranberry, official mascot of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, to learn some facts and get to the bottom of some common Wisconsin cranberry myths.
Myth: Cranberries grow in water.
Cranberries don’t actually grow in water; they grow on low-lying vines in sandy, acidic soil. The misconception comes from harvest season, when growers flood the beds to make collecting the fruit easier.
Cranberries have tiny air pockets that let them float, so when the marshes are flooded, the ripe berries rise to the surface where they can be gathered. For most of the year, however, the vines grow in dry beds that are carefully managed for soil health, irrigation and pest control. That iconic red “water harvest” is just one colorful part of the cranberry story.
Fact: Wisconsin has led the nation in cranberry production for more than three decades.
For over 30 years, Wisconsin has proudly been the nation’s top cranberry producer; in recent years our growers have been responsible more than 60% of the U.S. crop annually.
Cranberries aren’t just a tasty fruit; they’re a big deal for the state’s economy. The industry contributes nearly $1 billion annually and supports more than 4,000 jobs in growing, processing, research and tourism.
Generations of Wisconsin growers have built a strong, sustainable industry that’s as much about stewardship and innovation as it is about the harvest.
Fact: Cranberries are one of only three commercially grown fruits native to North America.
Cranberries share this distinction with blueberries and Concord grapes, making them true North American originals. These berries have been growing wild here for thousands of years, long before European settlers arrived. Native peoples prized cranberries for nutrition, medicine and trade, often mixing them with dried meat and fat to make pemmican, a long-lasting, energy-packed food.
Later, sailors discovered that cranberries’ high vitamin C content helped prevent scurvy on long sea voyages. Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, cranberries have been fueling people for centuries, earning their reputation as America’s original superfruit.
Myth: Cranberries are only for the holidays.
Cranberries aren’t just for holiday sauce; they freeze beautifully, keeping their flavor, color and nutrients all year long.
Frozen cranberries are perfect for smoothies, sauces, salads or baked goods. They’re naturally low in sugar, high in fiber and packed with antioxidants. Plus, cranberries are so versatile that they’re found in over 1,000 food and beverage products, from juices to trail mixes.
Whether fresh or frozen, they’re a simple, healthy way to boost meals any time of year.
Fact: Cranberries are Wisconsin’s official state fruit.
In 2004, Wisconsin officially named the cranberry as its state fruit, a nod to a crop that’s as much a part of the state’s identity as its lakes and forests. The designation celebrates not just the berries themselves, but the generations of families who have made cranberry growing a way of life. From harvest to research to culinary innovation, cranberries represent Wisconsin’s connection to its natural resources, farming heritage and agricultural pride.
Myth: Cranberry marshes are overrun by wolf spiders.
While spiders and insects do live in cranberry marshes, they’re not a problem, they’re part of a healthy ecosystem. Beneficial bugs are encouraged in the marsh because they act as natural predators, keeping harmful pests in check.
You’ll find about the same number of spiders in a cranberry marsh as you would in a typical backyard. These little helpers play an important role in protecting the berries, proving that cranberries grow best when nature does its part.