According to the Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts, and Seeds for Healthy Living, cranberries (in their raw state) have been found to beneficial for skin disease, acne, high blood pressure, constipation, obesity, poor appetite , fevers, and kidney and liver problems. The encyclopedia warns that overcooking (which happens when canned) or adding sugar to cranberries causes them to be very acid forming and should therefore be avoided.

Below is a recipe for a delicious raw cranberry sauce. This recipe can be processed fine like apple sauce, coarsely to be chewier, or chopped to be more like a fruit salad. For those who love the flavor of cranberries, this is a great healthy alternative. Another great way to enjoy the fresh cranberries this time of year is by juicing them. Combined with fresh apple juice, you can have a very healing and satisfying drink. The ratio of cranberry to apple juice would depend on you taste buds, but a starting point could be 7/8 cup of apple juice to 1/8 cup of cranberry juice.
 

Raw Cranberry Sauce

2 c. fresh cranberries
2 ripe pears (peeled if not organic)
1 sweet apple(peeled if not organic)
1 orange, peeled
½ c. raisins
¼ c. fresh orange or apple juice
½ c. raw honey
¼ t. each cinnamon, ginger, allspice
1/8 t. cloves

Grind cranberries in food processor. Empty into a bowl. Chop apple, pears and orange. Add to cranberries and stir. Add the rest of ingredients and stir well (process or pulse in food processor if a finer consistency is desired). Allow to sit overnight in a sealed container in refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend.
Variations: For a sweeter version, add more raisins, pears or honey. Another option: add round ¼ t. organic orange peel.
Tip: purchase pears in advance to allow time to ripen.

For a free sample of the recipe below and of a mock turkey and gravy, you can attend Teresa’s free class “Raw for the Holidays” at the Health Station in Indialantic, FL on December 7th at 6pm. Teresa McKessey has been “health nut” for over 30 years. She provides raw meals and raw dehydrated foods for those who want to eat healthier and education for those who want to know how to do it themselves. For more information call 321- 961-1874.