Cranberries are low, creeping shrubs, which grow up to two metres long and five to twenty centimetres in height. The natural habitat of cranberries are acidic sandy bogs in the cooler parts of the Europe, Northern states in the United States and Canada. They have slender, wiry stems with small evergreen leaves. The flowers are dark pink, with very distinct reflexed petals.

The fruit is a berry that is larger than the leaves of the plant; it is initially white, but turns a deep red as it ripens. Each berry features four centrally situated tiny seeds enclosed inside capsules. The berries are edible and have an acidic taste.

Cranberries can be eaten as snacks raw, fresh or dried. Most cranberries are processed into products such as juice, sauce, pâté and jam. Cranberry sauce is a traditional accompaniment to turkey at Christmas dinner in the United Kingdom and Thanksgiving dinners in the United States and Canada.

Cranberries are rich in proanthocyanidin antioxidants, which are essential for all-round wellness. The berries contain numerous chemical substances that may offer protection from tooth cavities, urinary tract infection and inflammatory diseases. Due to their nutrient content and antioxidant qualities, raw cranberries have been marketed as a super fruit since the beginning of the 21st century.