This is the season for fresh cranberries that are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and fiber!

Fresh cranberries are now in season between October and December, just in time for the holidays!

One serving of fresh cranberries (1/2 cup) is low in calories and full of vitamin C and fiber and also a good source of manganese and vitamin K.

Cranberries have a great deal of health benefits:

• helps protect the urinary tract from infections
• fights viral infections
• increases the good cholesterol
• improves vascular function high antioxidant properties help fight cancer

• Choose firm, ripe cranberries
• Look for cranberries that are deep red color
• Remember, fresh has more antioxidants than the dried cranberries or bottled cranberry drinks
• Fresh cranberries can be stored in the refrigerator for several months. Before storing, discard any soft, discolored, pitted or shriveled fruits.
• Once frozen, cranberries may be kept for several years. To freeze, spread fresh cranberries out on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer. In a couple of hours, the fully frozen berries will be ready to transfer to a freezer bag. Don't forget to date the bag before returning to the freezer.
• Once thawed, frozen berries will be quite soft and should be used immediately.