Food vs. Food

Cranberries vs. Raisins
Why do some people chose cranberries over raisins? Usually people don't eat both. Those that love raisins are purest. They won't go with anything else. They will use raisins as snacks in between meals, and
serve them to their kids as a healthy introduction to table foods. They are virtually everywhere we turn. On the other hand, cranberries may get a bad rap. Sure, they're tart and take some getting used to, but aren't they everywhere as well? Aren't they used for baking also? Do we not munch on them as snacks and use them in salads?

Could cranberries be healthier than raisins or will raisins remain the king of the dried fruits?

Who will win the battle?

First up, we have Cranberries. Cranberries are grown in bogs. They are the major commerical crop found in American and Canadian provinces. Cranberries rank near the top of 277 commonly consumed foods in the US.

Features:

1. Color:  When ripe the berry changes from white to red.
2. Taste:  Fresh-tart, Dried-sweet because of added sugar and the amount of vitamins are reduced.
3. Storage: Frozen-9 months, Dried- about a year
4. Nutrition: Raw cranberries have :16% vitamin c, 15.3% dietary fiber, 1.9% manganese, 1.8% potassium,   0.1% sodium, 9% vitamin a, 6.4% vitamin k and other essential micronutrients.
5. Uses: Cranberry sauce, salads, juices, muffins, wine, scones and other baking products.
6. Benefits: Great antioxidants. Benefits the cardiovascular and immune systems. They also have anti-cancer agents.
7. Potential benefits: They may fight bacterial infections in the urinary system and reduce stress.

Next, we have the raisin.

Raisins are grapes that have been sun dried. The method has been known since ancient times. There's evidence of their existence found in writings in ancient Egypt. California grows the majority of grapes used for raisins in the U.S. Over 500 million lbs are sold each year in the United States. It's estimated that the amount of raisins consumed will increase in the future.

Features:

1. Color: Green, black, blue, purple, and yellow.
2. Varieties: Seeded and seedless
3. Taste: Sweet because the sugar concentrates when dried.
4. Storage: Frozen-maybe forever. In package-for years when unopened.
5. Nutrition: 67%-72% sugar by weight, 3% protein, 3.5% dietary fiber. Thry are a good source for carbohydrates, Vitamin b6, folic and pathothenic acid. They also have calcium, zinc, iron and copper, as well as other trace minerals.
6. Uses: Baked goods, snacks, salads, wine, trail mix, rices and meats.
7. Benefits: Fights bacteria in mouth that cause cavities and gum disease. Good for colonic function and energy. Helps your digestive health and reduces the risk of heart disease. They aid in weight control and heart health, stimulate libido and help to reduce fever, among other benefits.

Hmm..Now that we have the stats for both foods, which will you choose? Will you go with the cranberry that is tart and adds zing to your foods, or will you go to the tried and true raisin that comes in a variety of colors and flavors?

The winner of this Food vs. Food segment is the "raisin". With all the accessibility and health benefits, you can't go wrong. You can eat them on the go, put them in food and give them to your children. They're an all around good food for everyone.

We again congratulate the winner!  Now go get some "Sun Maids" at the store.  :  )