Can raw cranberries be juiced?

Cranberries are a tart, vibrantly colored fruit that are often associated with Thanksgiving and holiday meals. While cranberry juice and cranberry sauce are popular uses for these fruits, many people wonder if raw cranberries can be juiced as well. In this article, we’ll take a look at whether or not raw cranberries can be juiced, the potential benefits and drawbacks, and some tips for juicing raw cranberries at home.

Can You Juice Raw Cranberries?

The short answer is yes, you can absolutely juice raw cranberries! Cranberries have a very high water content which makes them suitable for juicing. Approximately 80% of a cranberry’s makeup is water.

However, there are some important things to keep in mind when juicing raw cranberries:

• Cranberries have an extremely tart, sour flavor when raw. Many people find the taste to be too strong and intense on its own.
• Raw cranberries contain a compound called benzoic acid which can cause an unpleasant, bitter flavor.
• The texture and hardness of raw cranberries means they don’t break down well in many juicers. You’ll need a powerful masticating juicer.
• Raw cranberry juice extracts have a very short shelf life due to the lack of pasteurization. It’s best consumed immediately.

While juicing raw cranberries is certainly possible, the resulting juice may be unpalatable for many people without added sweetener or mixing it with other fruits and vegetables. But some cranberry juice fans enjoy the intense tartness!

Benefits of Raw Cranberry Juice

Though the taste may be an acquired one, raw cranberry juice does offer some potential benefits:

• High in antioxidants – Cranberries contain polyphenol antioxidants including anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and triterpenoids. These compounds can help combat free radicals and oxidative stress.
• Supports urinary tract health – Compounds like proanthocyanidins may prevent bacteria like E. coli from adhering to the urinary tract walls, promoting a healthy urinary system.
• Immune supporting effects – The vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients in raw cranberries can provide a boost to immune function and health.
• Low in sugar and calories – Raw cranberry juice is naturally low in sugar. It’s much lower in calories and carbs than many other fruit juices.

Research has linked raw cranberries and cranberry juice to benefits like improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and anticancer abilities as well. Much of this is attributed to the diverse mix of flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamin C, and other compounds.

Downsides to Juicing Raw Cranberries

There are some potential downsides associated with juicing raw cranberries that are important to keep in mind:

• Extremely tart, sour taste – As mentioned, the taste of raw cranberries may simply be intolerable for many people without added sweetness.
• May cause digestive issues – The high benzoic acid content can trigger nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset in some individuals.
• Oxalate content – Raw cranberries contain oxalate, which can contribute to kidney stones or gout flare-ups in those prone to these conditions.
• Short shelf life – Without pasteurization or preservatives, homemade raw cranberry juice oxidizes and spoils rapidly.

You’ll also want to be cautious about consuming large amounts of raw cranberry juice if you take certain medications like blood thinners. Speak to a health professional if you have any concerns.

How to Juice Raw Cranberries

If you want to give juicing raw cranberries a try, here are a few tips and tricks:

Choose very ripe, deeply colored cranberries

The riper the raw cranberries, the more flavorful juice they’ll produce. Look for cranberries that are very firm and deeply colored crimson red.

Wash and remove any stems

Rinse the cranberries under cool water and pinch off any remaining stems or debris.

Use a powerful masticating juicer

A centrifugal juicer won’t break down tough raw cranberries well. Opt for a heavy-duty masticating juicer that grinds and churns produce.

Consider blending into other juices

For palatability, try blending raw cranberry juice with milder juices like apple, grape, or orange juice. You can also add sweeter fruits and veggies.

Add a little honey if needed

A spoonful of honey can help offset the intense sourness of raw cranberries for an easier drinking experience.

Drink immediately after juicing

Consume the raw cranberry juice right away to get the most nutrition and flavor.

The Bottom Line

While raw cranberries can technically be juiced, they may not produce the most palatable or drinkable juice for many people without some modifications. The extremely tart, sour flavor and gritty texture of raw cranberries takes some getting used to. However, mixing raw cranberry juice with other ingredients like apples, carrots, or a bit of honey can help mellow the intensity. Those who enjoy bold, tart flavors may find raw cranberry juice to be a delightful and nutritious option.

Raw cranberry juice does offer some excellent health benefits, from antioxidants to compounds that support urinary tract health. But it also comes with some downsides, like potential digestive issues. Overall, juicing raw cranberries is an option for the adventurous juice lover looking to switch things up and get a burst of nutrients. But the bracingly sour taste may be off-putting if you’re not prepared!

With the right juicing techniques, combinations, and mindset, raw cranberry juice can be an intriguing new addition to your wellness routine in moderation. Just be sure to consume it promptly after making for the best flavor and nutritional quality.

Nutrition Facts of Raw Cranberries vs Cranberry Juice

To showcase the differences in nutrition between raw cranberries and cranberry juice, here is a comparison:

Nutrient	Raw cranberries	Cranberry juice
Calories	46 per cup	140 per cup
Total Carbohydrates	12g	36g
Sugars	4g	31g
Protein	1g	0g
Vitamin C	9mg	27mg
Vitamin K	5mcg	0mcg
Manganese	0.3mg	0.1mg

As you can see, raw cranberries are very low in natural sugars and calories compared to cranberry juice. Juice has more vitamin C but less vitamin K and manganese. There are pros and cons nutritionally for each.

Popular Combinations for Raw Cranberry Juice

Here are some tasty combinations you can try when juicing raw cranberries:

Juice Combination	Benefits
Cranberries, apples, oranges	Sweetness to mellow the tartness, vitamin C
Cranberries, pears, ginger	Ginger adds warmth, pears add sweetness
Cranberries, strawberries, basil	Strawberry’s sweetness balances cranberry’s tartness
Cranberries, grapes, lemon	Grapes lend sweetness, lemon brightens flavor
Cranberries, carrots, lime	Carrots sweeten, lime adds citrus zing

Mix and match different fruits, veggies, herbs, and spices to concoct your own preferred cranberry juice blends. The options are endless for tempering the intense tart flavor.

Safety Tips When Juicing Raw Cranberries

Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind when working with raw cranberries:

• Always wash cranberries thoroughly before juicing
• Be cautious juicing raw cranberries if you have kidney stones or gout
• Consume raw cranberry juice in moderation due to oxalate content
• Introduce raw cranberry juice slowly to avoid digestive upset
• Don’t give raw cranberry juice to infants or young children
• If taking blood thinners, check with your doctor before consuming raw cranberry juice
• Drink immediately after juicing for highest nutrient content
• Store any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours

Using safe handling and preparation methods, as well as being mindful of potential interactions and sensitivities, can help you safely enjoy raw cranberry juice and harness its natural health benefits.

The Takeaway on Juicing Raw Cranberries

While raw cranberries can be juiced, the resulting juice has an extremely tart, sour flavor that some find intolerable without mixing it with other juices and fruits. However, raw cranberry juice does offer benefits like antioxidants, healthy compounds that support the urinary tract, and more.

If you’re up for the challenge, you can juice raw cranberries at home using a sturdy masticating juicer and combining with sweet, mild juices to balance the intensity. Keep safety and proper handling in mind. Given the potential digestive side effects and strong taste, it’s best to enjoy raw cranberry juice in moderation as part of a varied diet and lifestyle.