With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought it appropriate to post about Ocean Spray and the importance it has to the local community. Not only to the local growers that belong to the cooperative, but also to those employed at the corporate headquarters and processing plants in Lakeville and Middleboro Massachusetts.
Ocean Spray has been a part of the local community for much longer than I can remember. In fact, they are getting very close to celebrating their 80th year in business. Congratulations Ocean Spray! Everyone in Middleboro, Lakeville, Plymouth, Rochester, Carver, Wareham, Halifax and the surrounding communities all know that cranberries have been an important commodity to this region of the country.
Ocean Spray is an agricultural cooperative and is owned by approximately 600 cranberry and 50 grapefruit growers, and employs approximately 2,000 people worldwide. With growers and facilities located throughout North America and parts of Canada. According to information posted on their website.
I used to live on Route 28 in Middleboro, and when the cranberries were being harvested, many of the trucks traveling to the nearby processing plant would pass by several times a day. Each truck would lose a few berries from their load, which resulted in a trail of the crimson fruit along the side of the road. Hence the name "cranberry highway" became synonymous with Route 28.
Every year when my family gathers for Thanksgiving, there is a blessing before the grand feast and cranberry juice cocktail is used for the toast. There is also cranberry sauce, and a cranberry gelatin to go along with the traditional meal of turkey, homemade mashed potatoes & gravy, squash, green beens (one of the only vegetables my brother will eat), and usually ham. Not to mention the homemade pies: apple, chocolate creme, and cherry cheesecake. Yum.
Did you know, that cranberries can be good for your mouth, heart, bones, stomach and urinary tract? I knew they were good for me, but I didn't know how good. Check it out - cranberries are good for you.
You know what is even better? Supporting your local growers, and keeping people working. Visit their website for some great Ocean Spray - Recipes. You might even be inspired to cook something new for dinner. Enjoy.
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