can you eat fresh cranberries

3 minutes ago 1
Nature

Yes, you can eat fresh (raw) cranberries, and they are safe and quite nutritious for most people.

Taste and how to eat them

Fresh cranberries are extremely tart and a bit bitter because of their high tannin content, so many people prefer them mixed with sweeter foods rather than eating them by the handful. They work well chopped into salads, salsas, relishes, oatmeal, yogurt, or blended into smoothies, often with some sweet fruit or a bit of sweetener to balance the flavor.

Health benefits

Raw cranberries are low in calories and provide vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, manganese, fiber, and various antioxidants that may support immune, heart, and urinary tract health. Eating them fresh (or frozen) preserves more vitamin C and some antioxidants compared with heavily cooked or highly sweetened cranberry products.

Safety and limits

Most people can eat fresh cranberries in moderation, but eating a lot at once may cause stomach upset or diarrhea because of their acidity and fiber content. People with a history of kidney stones, those who must limit oxalates, or those taking warfarin should check with a healthcare professional before consuming large amounts of cranberries or cranberry products regularly.