Nov 23 2023 2 mins
Ah, cranberries! Their tangy zing is a staple in sauces and jellies, especially around the holiday table. But what if I told you that your very own food forest could provide some amazing substitutes? That’s right, fellow permaculturists, let’s explore five fabulous plants that can jazz up your culinary creations, cranberry-style!
1. American Cranberry-Bush Viburnum (Wentworth Variety)
Sauce It Up: The Wentworth variety of American Cranberry-Bush Viburnum, also known as highbush cranberries, is a delight in sauces. Unlike true cranberries, these offer a slightly sweeter note with a hint of almond.
Wentworth Viburnum Sauce Recipe: Simmer 2 cups of Wentworth berries with 1 cup water, ¾ cup sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Once the berries burst and the sauce thickens, it’s ready to tickle your taste buds!
2. Siberian Crab Apples
Sauce It Up: These tiny tart treasures, often overlooked, can create a uniquely tangy and sweet sauce. Their natural pectin gives the sauce a perfect consistency.
Siberian Crab Apple Sauce Recipe: Combine 2 cups of finely chopped Siberian crab apples (cores removed) with 1 cup water, ½ cup sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. Boil and then simmer until it reaches a jammy cranberry sauce texture.
3. Red Currants
Sauce It Up: Red currants, with their vibrant color and tartness, make an excellent cranberry sauce alternative. They have a bright, acidic flavor that can really wake up a dish.
Red Currant Sauce Recipe: Mix 2 cups of red currants with ¾ cup sugar and ½ cup orange juice. Cook until the currants pop and the sauce thickens. Strain for a smoother texture, if desired.
4. Lingonberries
Sauce It Up: Lingonberries are like cranberries’ sweeter cousin. These berries are perfect for a sauce that doesn’t need much sugar.
Lingonberry Sauce Recipe: Simply cook 2 cups of lingonberries with ½ cup sugar and ¼ cup water. Let it simmer until thickened. This sauce is wonderfully tart with a subtle sweetness.
5. Barberries or Oregon Grape
Sauce It Up: Both the common garden barberry and its wild cousin, Oregon grape, can create a cranberry-like sauce. They’re tart and slightly bitter, perfect for balancing sweet dishes.
Barberry/Oregon Grape Sauce Recipe: Boil 2 cups of berries with 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and a strip of orange zest. Simmer until the berries soften and the sauce thickens. Strain to remove seeds for a smoother sauce.
So there you have it, nature enthusiasts! Five fantastic, forest-friendly substitutes for cranberries, each with its own unique twist. Remember, the key to a successful food forest is diversity, and these plants not only provide delicious fruits but also contribute to a healthy, balanced ecosystem. Happy harvesting and saucy experimenting!