Red Cranberries and Nutty Almonds: A Prehispanic Story

Health Benefits of Cranberries

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Learn about the ancient significance of almonds in Mesoamerican diets, valued for their healing properties and used as currency by the Aztecs.

Health Benefits of Cranberries

Red Cranberries and Nutty Almonds: A Prehispanic Story

Native Mexican plant that was cherished by the Aztecs and was used in religious ceremonies and medicinal properties.

The red cranberry, also known as the "craneberry" because its stem and flower resemble the head and beak of a crane, was a staple food for Native American tribes who used it in various ways. The Algonquian-speaking tribes of the Northeastern United States used cranberries for food, medicine, and dye. They combined cranberries with animal fat and sugar to create a type of survival food called pemmican, which could last for months without refrigeration. Meanwhile, in South America, cranberries were also consumed by indigenous people for their medicinal properties. They used them to treat urinary tract infections, fever, and other illnesses.

Native Mexican plant that was cherished by the Aztecs and was used in religious ceremonies and medicinal properties.

Red cranberries were a staple for Native Americans, used in food and medicine, while almonds played a key role in ancient Mesoamerican diets.

From religious ceremonies to everyday meals, discover how the Aztecs and Native Americans utilized cranberries and almonds throughout history.

The red cranberry, also known as the "craneberry" because its stem and flower resemble the head and beak of a crane, was a staple food for Native American tribes who used it in various ways. The Algonquian-speaking tribes of the Northeastern United States used cranberries for food, medicine, and dye. They combined cranberries with animal fat and sugar to create a type of survival food called pemmican, which could last for months without refrigeration. Meanwhile, in South America, cranberries were also consumed by indigenous people for their medicinal properties. They used them to treat urinary tract infections, fever, and other illnesses.

On the other hand, almonds were a significant part of the prehispanic diet in Mexico. The ancient Mayans and Aztecs believed that almonds had strong healing properties and used them in traditional medicine. Almonds were also a key ingredient in various dishes and beverages, such as "atole" and "horchata," which are still popular in Mexico today. Almonds were so valued by the Aztecs that they used them as a form of currency. They would trade almonds for other goods and services, such as clothes and food.

Today, we can enjoy the delicious combination of red cranberries and nutty almonds in a convenient and healthy AMOR Amaranth Almond Cranberry bar. It's amazing to think about how these ingredients have been part of our diets for centuries and have a rich history that goes beyond just being a tasty snack.