Slice of Wisconsin: How a native berry cultivated world-wide interest in the juicy billion-dollar harvest every fall across the state
By Teri Barr
Slice of Wisconsin: How a native berry cultivated world-wide interest in the juicy billion-dollar harvest every fall across the state
The harvest season is underway. And every year Wisconsin’s tiny cranberry means big business across the state. The bright red fruit floats to the top as the marsh where it grows is flooded. But behind the harvest there’s an economic punch, too. The Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association reports the cranberry business brings in nearly $1 billion every year. And it’s because more than half of the world’s cranberry supply is grown in the Badgers State.
The attention only continues to grow, thanks to a special road trip known as the Cranberry Highway. This is a 50-mile stretch through the cranberry marshes of Wisconsin Rapids, Pittsville, Nekoosa, and Tomah. Thanks to glacial retreats, the central and northern parts of the state have always offered ideal growing conditions.
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The Wonders of the Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin
But a trip around cranberry country isn’t complete without a stop in the heart of it all: Warrens. It’s the “Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin.” You’ll even find the Discover Cranberries Museum. It’s an all-in-one gift shop, old-fashioned ice cream parlor, and restaurant.
The museum showcases the unique history of the state’s cranberry industry and its importance as Wisconsin’s top fruit crop. You can learn the story behind the more than 100-year-old building, the historic Union Cranberry Warehouse. You may even spot the wildlife making cranberry marshes their home.
And don’t forget to sample some of the delicious berries! You can taste the handmade ice cream featuring several different cranberry flavors. There’s also cranberry wine, jam, and other delicious local products to take home and enjoy after your visit.
A Berry Good History in the State
Cranberries have been harvested in Wisconsin since 1860. But history indicates Native American tribes found wild cranberries and used the fruit as both a food source and medicine. They also used cranberry pulp to treat wounds and juice as a dye for blankets and rugs. By the way, it took 100 years before the right equipment was developed so the fruit no longer had to be hand-picked.
Wisconsin Rules as the Cranberry Capital of the World
Today, Wisconsin is the cranberry capital. And not just of the US, but our farmers also produce more than half of the world’s cranberry supply. Washington State, New Jersey, and Massachusetts also produce cranberries but no state comes close to Wisconsin.
The cranberry is also the official state fruit, which makes it a true “Slice of Wisconsin!”
Quick Cranberry Facts and Figures
Healthy: Cranberries are packed with fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and loaded with antioxidants. Plus, the proanthocyanidins keep bacteria and inflammation at bay.
Economy: 250 farms across the state and cultivate this tiny fruit on about 21,000 acres. The industry also provides more than 4,000 jobs!
Enjoying: Americans devour close to 400 million pounds of cranberries each year. The average person eats about 2.3 pounds in the form of cranberry sauce or juice.
