Bite-Sized: National Cranberry Relish Day: A Sweet-Sour Foreshadowing of
Thanksgiving
November 22: A tasty day to celebrate one of the many stars of the
Thanksgiving table, as the holiday season approaches, cranberry relish. This
holiday honors the colorful condiment that is so rich in color and flavor that
provides a focus point on the holiday table. From the traditionalist who
faithfully follows classic recipes to the adventurous chef who searches for
every creative permutation possible, there are many ways to celebrate this dish
while enhancing more than just the meal.
History of National Cranberry Relish Day
The history of this delicious food and the National Cranberry Relish Day is
quite related to American culture and the Thanksgiving festival.
November 22 each year is a holiday honoring the one and only cranberry
relish. In honor of this day, we celebrate the tart and piquant condiment that
has become a mainstay on Thanksgiving tables across the country.
Cranberry relish originated in the early 20th century New England region.
Eventually, it spread in popularity after family recipes by NPR correspondent
Susan Stamberg were featured in the 1950s.
The simplicity of this recipe paired with its unique flavor profile
propelled cranberry relish into the limelight of American cuisine.
Today, Stamberg’s clever combination of cranberries with onion, sugar, sour
cream and horseradish is loved among families and friends alike each
Thanksgiving season, celebrating the harvest.
While cranberries themselves are original to North America, they have been a
regular local food source for centuries, valued by Native Americans for their
nutritional and medicinal value.
Cranberries went from wild plants to commercial cultivation in the 1820s,
and New Jersey and Massachusetts became two of the most important cranberry
production states. Eventually, cranberries became a component of Thanksgiving,
a tradition that persists today.
International cranberries Day is not only about food – it encourages the
tradition of heritage, creativity, and a spirit of simplicity in cooking and
sharing. It elevates cranberries to a star dish in American cuisine and
encourages their use for Thanksgiving celebrations.
National Cranberry Relish Day is a great way to explore cranberry relish and
to add a little tart sweetness to the holiday season.
Where This Cranberry Relish Comes From: One For The Season
Cranberries are one of the rare native fruits of North America and have a
long history arising from Native American civilizations. The use of cranberries
by early settlers evolved into sauce and relish to be served with meat. Fresh
but not cooked, cranberry relish was a staple because it was a perfect balance
of tart and sweet.
Not only does National Cranberry Relish Day get us ready for Thanksgiving,
but it also can remind us of the rich history behind this beautiful red berry.
Why Cranberry Relish Deserves Its Day
Cranberry relish
is less common than cranberry sauce, which is usually cooked and sweetened with
sugar. That enables it to preserve the tartness of the fruit, along with its citrus
sweetness from oranges, or even some crunch from nuts or a bit of spicy notes.
And here are a few
of the many reasons why you MUST make cranberry relish:
- One of the
healthiest foods: While cranberries are a staple on the holiday table, they
are full of nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamin C and fiber. - Flavor Bulb:
The relish is a cool-up against the rich flavors of turkey, stuffing and gravy. - Culinary
Versatility: A topping for meats, a spread on sandwich or even use as a
garnish over desserts.
Things to do on National Cranberry Relish Day
This holiday calls out foodies to explore, invent and celebrate their
cranberry relish! This is how you can take advantage of the day:
How to Make Fresh Cranberry Relish:
There is no comparison to freshly made relish. Begin with a standard recipe
or remix one with ingredients like:
- Ginger for a spicy kick.
- Apple or pear for sweetness
- A little heat with jalapeños
- Cinnamon or cloves for warmth and depth
It is best to begin with a very easy recipe as follows:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, peeled and chopped
- Use sugar to taste — over ½ cup.
- A small handful of walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- In a food processor, add all of the ingredients.
- Blend until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Some more delicious recipes to
enjoy:
These cranberry recipes are perfect whether you need some prep for
Thanksgiving, or simply craving fresh and tart flavors cranberries bring to the
table. Everything from the old-fashioned relish style, to a more modern chutney
must be given for everyone to experiment with.
1.
Traditional
Cranberry-Orange Relish
A holiday staple, this no-cook recipe has the perfect balance of tart and
sweet.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 orange (peeled and diced)
- ½ cup of sugar, adjust depending on your taste
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions:
- Wash the cranberries and then dry them.
- Combine cranberries, orange pieces, sugar and zest in a food processor.
- Pulse until finely chopped but not mushy.
- Add sugar as necessary and taste it.
- Refrigerate and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Note: This relish works great as an accompaniment to turkey and/or
pork, or served with crackers and cream cheese.
2.
Spicy Cranberry Jalapeno
Chutney
If you are someone who enjoys a touch of heat, consider this spicy chutney
as an unexpected take on the classic cranberry dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 jalapeno pepper (seeded, diced small)
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp: Grated Fresh Ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- CAYENNE (Optional) – ¼ tsp
- ½ cup water
Instructions:
- Add cranberries, jalapeño, honey, ginger, cinnamon and cayenne to a saucepan
with water. - Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop
and it thickens (10-15 minutes) - Take off from the fire and cool down to space temperature.
- Remove to a jar and refrigerate until serving.
Tip: Serve this chutney with roasted meats + grilled cheese
sandwiches, use as a cracker dip.
Organize a Cranberry Tasting Party
Ask friends and family to come with their own versions of cranberry relish
or sauce. Or hold a contest to find the tastiest recipe!
What To Do With Cranberry Relish:
Just do not stop with the Thanksgiving table. Cranberry relish makes a
delicious topping for:
- Grilled chicken or pork
- Baked brie or cream cheese
- A fancy breakfast of yogurt or oatmeal.
Learn About Cranberries
Get into the cranberry's history and what a big deals it is to agriculture.
The only fun fact is that they are grown in bogs predominantly on the states of
Wisconsin and Massachusetts.
Spread Some Love on Social Media
Share your creations, recipes, and celebrations with the help of hashtags
such as #NationalCranberryRelishDay, #CranberryRelish or #ThanksgivingPrep.
Keyword-Optimized Ideas for Cranberry Relish Recipes
If you're looking
for inspiration, these popular variations can help:
- Classic Cranberry Relish Recipe
- Cranberry-Orange Relish with Ginger
- Low-Sugar Cranberry Relish for Healthy Holidays
- Spicy Cranberry Relish with Jalapeños
- Cranberry Relish for Thanksgiving Leftovers
Fun Facts About Cranberries
- Cranberries can bounce! Newly harvested ones have small pockets of air
inside, which also help them keep afloat when they are being collected.Cranberries were not just food for Native Americans; they used cranberries
as dye and a medicine. - Nearly one in five cranberries sold between Thanksgiving week and the end
of the year
The Bigger Picture: Enjoy the Season
The premise behind National Cranberry Relish Day is to encourage us to enjoy
the simple pleasures this time of year gives us: family and friends gathering
for a meal with one another around a table, and of course, holiday traditions
that come with grandmother— or mother passing down recipes. With all this in
mind, make cranberry relish a welcome guest at your Thanksgiving table; let it
receive the applause it deserves for both its storied past and stellar
adaptability.
So put on your apron, pick some cranberries, then go enjoy yourself!
