Ocean Spray seeks ultimate cranberry recipe

Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc. is posting a $25,000 reward for the culinary artist who can concoct the ultimate cranberry recipe.

The competition, dubbed the "Ultimate Cranberry Recipe Contest," is the latest effort by Ocean Spray, a growers cooperative based in Lakeville and Middleborough, to convince consumers that the cranberry is more than just a Thanksgiving condiment but also a versatile fruit for all seasons.

Waxing rhapsodically in a press release, Ocean Spray described this tart product of the bogs as "the little red wonderberry."

Aspiring uber chefs interested in transforming the little red wonderberry into a gourmet triumph can submit original recipes from now until Aug. 23 to Ocean Spray's website, the cooperative said.

Finalists will be selected in November, just in time for Thanksgiving, Ocean Spray said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)