Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce

Cranberries, often associated with the fall season and Thanksgiving, are known for their vibrant red color and tart flavor. The cranberry season typically runs from late September to early November, making these bright red gems readily available during the autumn months. This is the ideal time to get your hands on fresh, organic cranberries and make this delicious sugar-free cranberry sauce.

Traditional cranberry sauce recipes are loaded with sugar, making them a less healthy choice.  But fear not, as we have a delicious sugar-free cranberry sauce recipe that’s not only healthier but also incredibly flavorful. We’re adding a twist to this classic recipe by incorporating Body Ecology’s BE Sweet, a natural sweetener that enhances the cranberry experience.

If you are following The Body Ecology Diet you know, cranberries are an acid fruit and combine well with nuts and seeds. Some find they can enjoy a little acid fruit with an animal protein meal. Some feel it even stimulates their digestion. This would not combine well with a grain. Acid fruits also combine with dairy. You could combine this Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce with milk kefir or even cream if you want to create another recipe.

5 Top Health Benefits of Cranberries: 

1. Urinary Tract Health: Cranberries are well-known for their ability to promote urinary tract health. They contain compounds that help prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.

2. Antioxidant Power: Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against free radicals and oxidative stress. Antioxidants are known to support overall health and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

3. Heart Health: The antioxidants in cranberries, particularly flavonoids, are associated with improved heart health. They may help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve cholesterol levels.

4. Digestive Health: Cranberries are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. Fiber can help prevent constipation and support regular bowel movements.

5. Oral Health: Cranberries contain compounds that may help prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth, reducing the risk of dental plaque and gum disease. This can contribute to better oral health overall.

* It’s important to note that these benefits are associated with natural organic cranberries, not cranberry products with added sugar.

Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

– 1.5 cups fresh organic cranberries
– 1/4 cup (or to taste depending on your preference) Body Ecology’s BE sweet  
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 teaspoon grated *Mandarin orange zest
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, BE Sweet, and water.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst open and are tender.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice.
5. Allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely before serving. It will thicken further as it cools.
6. Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to a jar or container and refrigerate until ready to serve.

We hope you enjoy your homemade cranberry sauce with Body Ecology’s BE Sweet, a natural, guilt-free sweetener that adds a delightful twist to this classic holiday recipe!

* All skins of citrus do contain oxalates.  Choosing Mandarin oranges, which are lower, are the better one to use if you are sensitive to oxalates.

Reference:

Nelson, A. (2022, September 23). Cranberries. In M. Juber (Reviewer), WebMD. URL: https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-cranberries

Arnarson, A. (2023, July 13). Cranberries 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits. Healthline. URL: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/cranberries

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