The cranberry farming industry started in the mid-1800s. Today Wisconsin is the nation's leader and produces about 60% of cranberries for American consumers. It is Wisconsin's #1 fruit crop and was named its state fruit in 2004.
To celebrate this, Eagle River has an annual Cranberry Festival. It includes farm tours, tastings, and shopping. And that was one reason we were here at this time of year.
We started with the farm tour. It was a little out of town but the drive was spectacular. Trees were bright "cranberry" red with a little yellow and green mixed in.
Our destination was Lake Nokomis Cranberry Farm, where 320 acres are dedicated to cranberry production.
We had to wait a bit for our turn to tour, so we had time to check out the gift shop and farm equipment.
Pretty soon a bus took about 20 of us out to the berry bogs. Cranberry Pete was our guide and a very funny fellow.
These berries are grown in low-lying areas called bogs or marshes. They like acidic, sandy, wet soil. Contrary to belief, however, plants do not grow under or in standing water. Vines creep across the sandy surface while developing berries.
Later irrigated flooding waters are used for winter weather protection (against frost) and during fall harvest time.
Chains and rods roust berries from the sunken vines.
The floating berries are rounded up by men with large "ribbon" bands. In this case, the farm complements their work force with non-violent inmates from the local prison. Even though this is a cold, tough job, it is a big reward for their good behavior. They receive a few minutes of freedom out in nature and a hot, home-cooked lunch.
Next the berries are spray rinsed, extraneous vines removed, sucked into a hopper, and deposited into trucks for transport to processing and canning plants.
Here's Tim and Nancy, checking out the process.
On the way back to the farm house, we passed by some older (including a flat boat) farming equipment,
Cranberry Pete gave us a hardy thanks for our enthusiasm.
Fun facts:
- It takes 3-5 years from original planting to get a crop large enough to harvest.
- There is a wealth of wildlife around cranberry wetlands due to the abundance of fresh and filtered water. Some flora and fauna found here are bald eagles, calypso orchids, sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, loons, osprey, turkey, and wolves.
- Cranberries are good for urinary tract health and minimizes formation of dental plaque. Research suggests it is a preventative against ulcers, acid reflux, and some cancers (kidney and stomach, particularly). They are low cal and fiber rich.
- The largest export markets for cranberries are the U.K., Germany, Mexico, France, Australia, Russia, and Taiwan.
To celebrate this, Eagle River has an annual Cranberry Festival. It includes farm tours, tastings, and shopping. And that was one reason we were here at this time of year.
Our destination was Lake Nokomis Cranberry Farm, where 320 acres are dedicated to cranberry production.
Cranberries have hollow chambers which allow them to naturally float to the surface once released from the vine.
The floating berries are rounded up by men with large "ribbon" bands. In this case, the farm complements their work force with non-violent inmates from the local prison. Even though this is a cold, tough job, it is a big reward for their good behavior. They receive a few minutes of freedom out in nature and a hot, home-cooked lunch.
Fun facts:
- It takes 3-5 years from original planting to get a crop large enough to harvest.
- There is a wealth of wildlife around cranberry wetlands due to the abundance of fresh and filtered water. Some flora and fauna found here are bald eagles, calypso orchids, sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, loons, osprey, turkey, and wolves.
- Cranberries are good for urinary tract health and minimizes formation of dental plaque. Research suggests it is a preventative against ulcers, acid reflux, and some cancers (kidney and stomach, particularly). They are low cal and fiber rich.
- The largest export markets for cranberries are the U.K., Germany, Mexico, France, Australia, Russia, and Taiwan.
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