Raspberry
Bright and red, these tangy little berries make everything from champagne to pies a special occasion. These luxe berries inherit their good looks from their genus Rubus of the rose family.
A raspberry is actually a collection of many little fruits called drupelets which are all clustered around a central core. The average raspberry has about 100 to 120 of these drupelets, and every one of these druplets contains a tiny seed.
Select raspberries that are fully ripe because they do not continue to ripen after they are picked. Ripe raspberries have a robust red coloring and appear plump and firm.
Purchase raspberries no more than a day or two before you plan to use them. They are highly perishable and don’t last long even in the fridge.
Refrigerate raspberries as soon as you bring them home, and pick through them to remove any moldy or severely damaged berries.
Raspberries fare very well in the freezer. Freeze in a layer before storing in a bag to prevent them from clustering together.
Raspberry leaf tea helps ease female discomfort during menstruation as well as during pregnancy; it’s rumored to lead to shorter and easier labors.
Raspberries break down quickly because the berries respire (breathe), even after they have been harvested. The faster they respire the more carbon dioxide they produce, and the more carbon dioxide produced, the quicker they spoil. Cooler temperatures slow down the respiration rate, which is why you should store them in the refrigerator!
Always wash raspberries just before eating them. Never wash before storing them as they’ll rot and mold very quickly.
Bring raspberries to room temperature before eating them for maximum flavor.
Make a quick and delicious macerated raspberry sauce to top ice cream and baked goods by mashing them up with a bit of sugar. Let sit for 15 or 20 minutes before using.
Raspberries make an elegant garnish for champagne, and really elevate non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling water and lemonade.
Raspberries are a very low in both calories and fat, while they’re extremely rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and other antioxidants.
Raspberries contain rheosmin, or raspberry ketone, which is currently being studied for its role in managing obesity.
Ripe raspberries have the highest concentrations of antioxidants, so always reach for the reddest berries you can find!
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