Harvesting Cape Cod’s Wild Cranberries
A handful of wild Cape Cod cranberries.
After the first frost paints the landscape in hues of gold and crimson, my family gathers our gear - waterproof boots and bags - and heads to the seaside dunes. With anticipation, we embark on an annual quest to find Cape Cod's wild cranberries. Hidden amidst the low-lying coastal swales, these vibrant berries are a testament to the region's natural beauty and bounty.
While commercial cranberry bogs have become synonymous with Cape Cod, the thrill of finding and harvesting wild cranberries is a uniquely Cape Cod experience. I've personally discovered wild cranberries at Sandy Neck Beach, the Provincetown dunes, and in the dunes east of East Harbor in Truro. I'm sure there are many other hidden gems waiting to be explored.
The water-soaked cranberry bogs hidden in the coastal swales of the coastal dunes.
As we navigate the sandy dunes, our eyes scan the horizon for the telltale signs of wild cranberries: a low-growing vine adorned with ruby-red berries. Cranberries thrive in the damp, open expanses of bogs, often forming dense mats around bodies of water or weaving through other bog plants. After venturing a hundred yards off the trail, we discover a promising patch and kneel down. Carefully, we pick through the vines, gathering the ripe berries.
While wild cranberries begin to ripen in September, we've found that waiting until late October or early November yields the sweetest and most flavorful harvest. The tart berries become sweeter after a few frosts, as the plant increases its sugar production. However, delaying the harvest too long carries risks: the berries may overripen, fall from the vine, or become a tasty treat for wildlife.
The next generation, learning the tradition.
Occasionally, I'll pluck a handful of unripe berries and toss them into the bag. The pectin content, responsible for the thickening in jams and jellies, is highest in unripe fruits and decreases as they ripen. Pectin is a natural substance found in berries, apples, and other fruits. The longer the cranberries are heated with sugar, the more pectin is extracted, resulting in a firmer sauce (recipe at the bottom of the page).
The rhythmic, methodical, motion of picking cranberries is both soothing and satisfying. It's a chance to slow down, appreciate the beauty of nature, and connect with the land. As we gather our harvest and watch our bags fill, we feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the natural world around us.
Wild cranberry picking on Cape Cod is more than just a fun activity; it's a tradition that has been, and is being passed down through generations. It's a way to connect with the history of the region and appreciate the resilience of its native plants. So, if you're looking for a unique and unforgettable fall experience, grab your gear and head to the Cape Cod dunes to discover the hidden treasures of wild cranberry picking.
The coastal dunes of Sandy Neck on Cape Cod. The cranberries can be found in the low lying areas between dunes, known as swales.
A Cape Cod Cranberry Sauce
To enjoy the fruits of your labor, try this classic cranberry sauce recipe.
Ingredients
12 ounces cranberries (fresh or frozen)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
1 cup of red wine (pinot noir, merlot, cabernet)
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Instructions:
In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, red wine, orange zest, and cinnamon.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Cooking longer will result in a less lumpy, but thicker sauce.
(Optional) For a smoother sauce, press the sauce through a strainer and into a bowl using a wooden spoon or spatula. Discard the chunks remaining in the strainer. Set the bowl aside to cool.
Chill the sauce for several hours before serving.
