The Beginning of the Berries
Cranberries are truly North American berries. Before Columbus came to the new world, the tangy wild cranberries had an important place in everyday life here. Indian squaws used cranberries to brighten up food.
The Wampanoag Indians of Cape Cod area treated wounds from poisoned arrows with a cranberry dressing. Squaws made their rugs and blankets colorful with the red cranberry juice.
Pilgrim women learned of this wild berry from the friendly Indians. They soon began to create their own ways of fixing cranberries for their tables. They made cranberry sauces, bubbling tarts and nogs.
