Maine Food for November: Cranberries and Winter Squash

With Fall comes the arrival of local cranberries! No Fall or Winter holiday table would be complete without at least one cranberry item. Cranberries can be added to countless dishes, from quick breads, yeast breads, salads, relishes, salsas and chutneys, to soups, grain-based entrees and of course, desserts. As cranberries become available, it’s a good idea to buy extras and freeze them for use later on.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension publishes information to help you find, grow, use, preserve and store in-season fruits and vegetables in Maine. Visit extension.umaine.edu to order or download bulletins to fit the season, including November favorites such as Bulletin #4380 Canning and Freezing Quick Guides, Bulletin #4035 Let’s Preserve: Apples, and Bulletins #4308 and 4176 Vegetables and Fruits for Health: Cranberries, Winter Squash and Pumpkins as well as Bulletin #4191 Safe Home Cider Making.

UMaine Extension educator Kathy Savoie recommends getting up-to-date information on the best methods, canners, jars and seals to use to ensure a safe result before preserving food. Recommendations are available from local UMaine Extension offices and online at UMaine Extension: Food & Health, including upcoming food preservation workshops and how-to videos. For more information, call 207.581.3188; 800.287.0274 (in Maine).