Raspberry

Photo: flickr user Jeff Kubina

About

The raspberry is the edible fruit of a multitude of plant species. Raspberries are perennial. The name originally referred to the European species Rubus idaeus (with red fruit), and is still used as its standard English name.

A red-to-black berry rich in vitamin C, manganese, and fiber (thanks to its aggregate structure), and one of the top fruits for antioxidant strength. With their sweet/tart flavor, raspberries are popular in cakes, pies, tarts, jams, and jellies.

Information

Translations: Avene, Avietės, Zmeura, Malina, Mâm xôi, Malina, रास्पबेरी, Framboesa, Малиновый, Σμέουρο, التوت, 라스베리, Malina, Prambuwesas, 树莓, Gerd, Malina, Malina, Lampone, פטל, Hallon, Малина, ラズベリー, Framboise, Himbeere, Hindbær, Bringebær, Frambuesa, Темно, Vadelmakastiketta, Малини

Physical Description

Colors: Red, Black,Golden, Purple, Orange, Yellow

Tasting Notes

Mouthfeel: Sweet, Tart, Juicy

Food complements: Almonds, Peaches, Dark chocolate, White chocolate

Wine complements: Champagne, Chardonnay, Sparkling wine, Red wine, Pinots noir and blanc

Beverage complements: Lemonade

Substitutes: Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries

Selecting and Buying

Seasonality: may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november

Peak: june, july, august

Choosing: Look for raspberries that are fully ripe because they will not ripen after they are picked. Fully ripe raspberries are slightly soft, plump, and deep in color. Make sure they are not packed too tightly in the container and show no stains or bruises.

Buying: Raspberries are one of the foods where pesticide residues are frequently found, so it is recommended to buy them organically grown.

Procuring: Raspberries seem to do well in a Mediterranean climate. I've found that the raspberries canes that my neighbor down the street gave me did better than the bought canes.

Make sure to prune the spent canes in the winter so the raspberries will produce fruit in the coming season.

Preparation and Use

Eat as they are. Prepared as Jams, Puree, Juice, Milkshakes, Dried fruit, fruit tarts. Use in muffins, add to yogurt, cereal or oatmeal. If you are using fresh raspberries for a fruit filling in a cake, smash with fork, then strain seeds out using a sieve or small strainer.

Cleaning: Rinse gently under cool water to remove any potential pesticides.

Conserving and Storing

Refrigerate raspberries as soon as you bring them home. Water encourages spoilage so only wash right before you eat them. Properly stored raspberries will remain fresh for up to 3 days.