Raspberries, botanical name Rubus idaeus, are a bramble fruit of a perennial shrub within the family, Rosaceae (the rose family). There are two types of raspberry plants: summer-bearers, which produce one crop per season and ever-bearers, which produce two crops, one in summer and one in fall.

Raspberries are distinguished by their flavor, size, shape and their hollow core. They are an aggregate fruit with individual drupelets that are held together by very fine, nearly invisible hairs. The fruits are petite, roughly oval, plump and vary in flavor from sweet-tart to low acid depending on growing region and coloring. The hollow core is created when the raspberry is separated from its growing receptacle.

Serving Ideas

Raspberries are most often utilized in sweet applications vs. savory, though there are plenty of savory recipes for raspberries to embellish. Raspberries are traditionally used as a principle ingredient in fruit salads, jams, ice creams and gelatos. Complimentary pairings include cocoa, exotic fruits, raisins, creamy and blooming cheeses, honey, peaches, coconut, cinnamon, blueberries, cardamon and lavender.

Geography/History

Raspberry bushes are native to the Fertile Crescent, specifically Turkey. They were transported by the Romans to Europe. There are also raspberry bushes that have origins within the New World of North America. Raspberries are a globally important commercial fruit crop and they are cultivated in all temperate regions of the World. They have an inherent preference to grow in cooler climates, though, thus they do not thrive in tropical regions.