I don't know about your area but we don't see cranberries in fresh berry form in CA save during November and December (the juice processing sucks up a lion share of the crops).  If I have wild ideas about doing things with cranberries during the year, extra bags need to be purchased then and frozen.  I don't see why you can't use frozen … I have for years in muffins and the like.  Now am really looking forward to trying some canned recipes with fresh berries this year with the increasing canning addiction!

Oregon coastal area is a the farm source for cranberries on the west coast, although I do see Ocean Spray fresh pop up in the big grocery outlets as early as late October and on sale into late December.  Then, [POOF]!  I agree with bonita: Ocean Spray pretty much decides how much of the fresh berries goes to market!  Cranberries only seem to be happy growing in the northern tier of the States and Canada, which makes it a North American exclusive.  Sweet! although the trick is deciding how much you can afford when the ruby darlings are available.

CindyP said:

We have bags of cranberries in the produce section now………I'm sure they must store them somehow so they're available all year.

---

You're a lucky duck! … you must be close to cranberry country in MI.  I loved my years in MA close to the cranberry growers, but, for the life of me, can't remember when the first bags would show up at the markets. My curiousity led me to this website that spoke of recent experimentation in trying to prolong the storage of a fresh fall harvest.  So far it looks like 5 months maybe?  Europe seems to be developing a taste for the berries!

http://www.sciencedaily.com/re…..104609.htm

None of the grocery stores around here carry them but they are small town grocery stores.  I'm sure the cashier would look at me like I had two heads if I asked for fresh cranberries!  They don't even carry frozen ones.  The largest chain grocery store is 60 miles from me and it's a Krogers (and a Super Walmart).  I can't recall seeing any cranberries in the fruit section but will check for sure next time I go.  Thanks everyone!