Origin, history of cultivation. The cranberry is native to acid bogs of the northeastern US and southern Canada, and bogs have long been harvested by Indians and English colonists since the 1600's. Today's industry has evolved slowly from manipulation of the plant in its ecological niche, the bogs, to increase yields, provide winter protection, and facilitate harvest. The first bog management efforts were the building of ditches and dikes for water control. Folklore, medicinal and non-food uses.
Cranberries are good sources of vitamin C and fiber.
Cranberry juice increases the acidity of urine by creating hippuric acid, which may be responsible for its use in relieving urinary tract infections. Production statistics Production is limited to the northern US and Canada, where the bogs and plants exist naturally. About 1500 acres of cranberries are located near Vancouver, B.C., and 100 acres are harvested in the Maritime Provinces of southeast Canada. Ovary contains 4 locules and potentially 50 ovules, although few of these develop. Self-fruitful, no pollinizer.