Like most of New England in the fall, the Cape and Islands is a beautiful place
to be when Mother Nature gets out her paintbrush. One of the most colorful sights
on Cape Cod and the Islands during the fall is the cranberry harvest. Join the fun
by taking a guided tour of one of the bogs, and during non-Covid times, going to one of the local festivals.
![Cranberry Harvest, Harwich, MA]()
Cranberry Harvest, Harwich, MA
(Photo taken by Becky Fischer, WeNeedaVacation.com)
The cranberry harvest season begins around Labor Day and usually runs into the middle
of November. The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association has created a cranberry harvest
trail guide. At the
Cape Farm and Cranberry Company in Harwich, for example, you can enjoy
a guided tour of the farm and bog, shop at the farm stand and gift shop, and visit
the farm animals.
The majority of our entire domestic cranberry production comes from southeastern
Massachusetts and accounts for over 100 million dollars in income for the state.
The cranberry was originally harvested by the local Native Americans who introduced
the “sassamanash” or “bitter berries” to the Pilgrims. Both the early Pilgrims and
later whaling fishermen learned to appreciate the benefits of cranberries, which
contain scurvy-preventing vitamin C as well as their unique tart flavor and beautiful,
deep-red color. They were also used to produce healing poultices and dyes for coloring
clothes.
Once these local berries are picked, what better thing to do, than cook with them?! Here are some of our favorite cranberry recipes.
If you decide to visit the Cape and Islands during this spectacular season, be sure
to take advantage of conveniently staying in a charming Cape Cod vacation rental!
Summary of Events | Fall 2020