National Cranberry Relish Day is celebrated on November 22 as a great start to Thanksgiving. It shows appreciation for cranberries, one of the few fruits from Native Americans, and highlights their role in Thanksgiving meals. Cranberry sauce is a classic part of the holiday and cranberry relish, made with unique ingredients like horseradish and onion, adds a fresh twist. As we think about the holiday season, let’s be thankful for National Cranberry Relish Day.
History of National Cranberry Relish Day
National Cranberry Relish Day has its roots in New England, where cranberry relish became a popular seasonal dish in the 20th century. It gained national attention in the 1950s thanks to “The Splendid Table,” a radio show by American Public Media.
Lynne Rossetto Kasper, the show’s original host, introduced many people to cranberry relish by featuring guests who shared their unique recipes and local flavors. One fall morning, Kasper invited NPR’s Susan Stamberg to share her unique holiday recipes. Stamberg presented her mother-in-law’s cranberry relish, recommending a dollop of sour cream and finely chopped radishes.
This moment marked the beginning of National Cranberry Relish Day in the U.S. Interestingly, Stamberg’s recipe was inspired by a dish from Craig Claiborne. Mention “Mama Stamberg’s Relish” at any American home, and you’ll likely be treated to a deliciously creamy and tangy cranberry relish.
A day dedicated to the delightful taste of cranberries deserves a celebration. If you’re already dreaming about the tangy flavor of cranberry relish and the hearty turkey that follows, get ready for November 22.
| 1820s (The First Cultivation) | Revolutionary War Veteran Henry Hall formally cultivates and ships cranberries to neighboring states for the first time. |
| 1860s (Literary Recognition) | Reverend Benjamin Eastwood publishes a book on cranberry cultivation after a boom in sales during the Civil War. |
| 1910s (Establishment of Industry) | Wisconsin grower John Gaynor, and fruit broker A.U. Chaney, establish the Wisconsin Cranberry Sales Company to organize cranberry trade across the U.S. |
| 1950s (The Cranberry Relish Recipe) | NPR correspondent Susan Stamberg introduces the country to her mother-in-law’s signature cranberry relish recipe. |
5 Interesting Facts About The Humble Cranberry
- Nutritional Powerhouse: Cranberries are packed with nutrients, including vitamins C, E, and K, as well as dietary fiber. They’re also rich in antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
- Historical Use: Native Americans were among the first to use cranberries, incorporating them into their diet for centuries. They used cranberries in a variety of ways, from making pemmican (a kind of dried meat) to brewing cranberry tea.
- Natural Preservative: Cranberries have natural antibacterial properties, which is why they’ve been used traditionally to prevent urinary tract infections. The unique compounds in cranberries help prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls.
- Unique Growth: Cranberries grow on low, creeping shrubs or vines in bogs. These bogs are flooded in the winter to protect the plants from extreme cold and to harvest the berries in the fall. When the bogs are flooded, the berries float, making them easier to collect.
- Versatile Culinary Use: Beyond the traditional cranberry sauce, these berries can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and smoothies to baked goods. They can even be dried and used as a snack or topping.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Cranberry Relish Day on November 22 offers a flavorful nod to both tradition and innovation in our Thanksgiving celebrations. This special day not only honors the cranberry’s rich history and its significant role in Native American culture but also highlights the creative ways this versatile fruit can be enjoyed.
From its New England roots and the influence of “The Splendid Table” to its continued presence on holiday tables, cranberry relish represents a blend of history, tradition, and culinary excitement. As we prepare for Thanksgiving, let’s embrace the tangy, refreshing flavors of cranberry relish and the rich heritage it celebrates, making our holiday meals all the more memorable.
Frequently Ask Question
1. What is National Cranberry Relish Day?
National Cranberry Relish Day is celebrated on November 22 and honors the cranberry, a fruit deeply rooted in Native American culture and a staple in Thanksgiving meals. The day highlights the role of cranberry relish, a tangy and flavorful twist on traditional cranberry sauce.
2. When did National Cranberry Relish Day originate?
National Cranberry Relish Day originated in the 1950s, popularized by the radio show “The Splendid Table” hosted by Lynne Rossetto Kasper. The day gained prominence when NPR’s Susan Stamberg shared her mother-in-law’s unique cranberry relish recipe on the show.
3. What is the history behind cranberry relish?
Cranberry relish became popular in New England in the 20th century. It gained national attention in the 1950s when Susan Stamberg shared her family’s recipe, known as “Mama Stamberg’s Relish,” which combined cranberries with sour cream and radishes.
4. Why are cranberries significant in American history?
Cranberries have been used by Native Americans for centuries. They incorporated cranberries into their diet and used them in various ways, such as in pemmican and cranberry tea. Cranberries were also commercially cultivated as early as the 1820s.
5. What are some classic and innovative ways to use cranberries in cooking?
Cranberries can be used in a variety of dishes, including traditional cranberry sauce, salads, smoothies, baked goods, and even as a dried snack. They are also a great addition to dishes like stuffing and baked goods.
You may also like to read, National Homemade Bread Day – November 17, 2024
