The cranberry is a Native American wetland fruit which grows on trailing vines like a strawberry. The vines thrive on the special combination of soils and water properties found in wetlands. Wetlands are nature's sponges; they store and purify water and help to maintain the water table.

In Massachusetts we call the place where cranberries grow a BOG. Natural bogs evolved from deposits left by the glaciers more than 10,000 years ago. These deposits were left in impermeable kettle holes lined with clay. The clay prevents materials from leaching into the groundwater.

Rocks and other organic materials were collected by the glaciers. When the ice finally melted deposits of heavy materials were layered on top of the clay.

These kettle holes were filled with water and organic matter which created the ideal environment for cranberries. In the early 1800s Henry Hall, a veteran of the Revolutionary War who lived in Dennis noticed that sand blown in from nearby dunes helped vines grow faster.

Today, growers spread a inch or two of sand on their bogs every three years. The sand not only helps the vines grow but also slows the growth of weeds and insects.

Cranberries are an extremely versatile fruit ingredient. When incorporated into other food products, they provide an unusual, refreshing flavor as well as a rich, characteristic red color. Used in combination with other fruits, cranberries can accentuate and enhance the flavors of these fruits. Because of their health benefits, of which consumers are increasingly aware, cranberries are experiencing an expansion in their use as a baking ingredient.