Unsweetened cranberry juice

Description

Unsweetened cranberry juice has a distinctly sour-tart taste and an intense ruby color; it can be clear or have a slight sediment of pulp, which indicates the product's naturalness. From a nutritional standpoint, it provides few calories while being high in vitamin C, antioxidants (including proanthocyanidins), and small amounts of potassium and manganese, and the absence of added sugar makes it a good choice for calorie control; it exhibits beneficial antioxidant effects and supports urinary tract health, although due to its acidity, moderation is advisable. In the kitchen, unsweetened cranberry juice is perfect for cocktails, smoothies, marinades, sauces, and glazes for meats, as well as an ingredient in dressings and desserts, and for diluting with water or carbonated drinks. Once opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed bottle and consumed within 7–10 days, while an unopened package should be kept in a cool, dark place; it can also be portioned and frozen for longer storage.