The bramble from which the raspberry originated was probably a native of Asia Minor, although it is not certain. What we do know is that this bramble was cultivated a very long time ago.
There is a myth that describes the raspberry: the raspberry was originally white. Jupiter, an unbearable child, would deafen the other residents of Olympus with his outbursts. His nurse, the young and beautiful nymph Ida, picked a raspberry to appease him. However, she was scratched by a thorn and her blood stained the fruit red. This is the origin of the Latin name used to describe the raspberry: Rubus Idaeus, which is its scientific name.
The Romans cultivated raspberries and spread them throughout Europe. Since the Middle Ages, there have been many varieties that are not only red, but also yellow and/or with large fruit, and/or without thorns.
A raspberry should be fleshy, shiny, and firm, without any trace of mold and without its stalk. It actually becomes detached from its stalk when it ripens. Once picked, it will not ripen any more.
Fresh raspberries are very delicate and are always sold in small containers.
They are available frozen as whole fruit or in small pieces.
Dried raspberries are always whole.
Raspberries are also made into coulis, puree (pasteurized or frozen), jello, or preserves.
They are also made into very fragrant brandy and into vinegar.
Raspberries should be used as quickly as possible because they are very delicate. They can also be kept for two or three days in the refrigerator.
Raspberries are high in a sweet fiber, a mixture between hemicellulose and pectin.
They also contain a lot of vitamin C, antioxidants of all kinds, and minerals.
Like all red berries, they offer protection from different diseases (cardiovascular diseases, cancer).
Most raspberries are bright red, but there are also dark red, yellow, golden, and even white raspberries.
Raspberries are grown in the open fields or in greenhouses, from where they go to market as of mid-April. Those growing in the open air are available later, from July through November owing to the double-cropping varieties.
There are dozens of raspberry varieties in Europe and North America, producing relatively large, round, or elongated fruit with a reasonably sweet flavor.
The loganberry is an American hybrid of the blackberry and the raspberry. It is very large and dark red, and is sold from September through October, but it is rather bland despite its beautiful appearance.