Monday, June 25, 2018

Cranberry Production in United States

Cranberries have a deep and rich history that many have not yet discovered. Native Americans used the fruit for a wide variety of purposes. Dating back to 1550’s where they applied cranberries to heal arrow wounds from battle, created dyes, and cured meats.

Commercial cranberries production is carried out mostly in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Washington, and Oregon. Wisconsin controls more than 46 percent of the production and is the primary cranberry producer in the United States.

There are a number of commercial varieties of cranberries growth in swamp lands or under similar conditions. A period of about 4 years is required from planting to the first harvesting period.

United States 2017 total cranberry production is forecast at 9.05 million barrels, down 6 percent from 2016.

There are two basic methods of harvesting cranberries. The first, dry harvesting dates back to the origins of cranberry cultivation. The second system, flood or water harvesting dates to the 1920’s and was first mechanized in the mid-1950’s.

Nationally, cranberries are harvested from early September until early November. The exact harvest dates vary by region, weather conditions, and cultivar being harvested. In addition, some consideration must be given to whether the fruit will be sold in the fresh market, used in white juice products, or used for other processing.

Since blossoms develop in the spring and are susceptible to frost damage, and the plants are susceptible to freezing damage, bogs where the berries are grown may have to be flooded with water, as a protection against cold damage.

Diesel oil or chemical may be used to control weeds and moss is cranberry bogs. For harvesting cranberries, the bogs may be flooded with water to float berries, which can then be shaken off by machine and collected from the water. In other instances, the bogs are not flooded; the berries are stripped from the vines mechanically and collected on catching frame.
Cranberry Production in United States

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