Region of Origin
Commodity:
Raspberry
Description & Origin
Raspberries can be red, black, purple, or golden in color but are most commonly found with the reddish-pink color. They are small fruits – typically 1-inch in diameter at most – that have an oblong shape and bumpy texture. They are known for their bright, sweet-tart flavor and are used in many desserts and baked goods. Despite the name, raspberries are technically not berries but drupelets.
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Health Benefits & Nutrition
Raspberries are a great source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. It is proven that raspberries are beneficial to heart function and can lower blood pressure and prevent stroke and other heart diseases. It is believed that their high antioxidant content may help prevent arthritis and Alzheimer’s Disease. Some experts claim that raspberries of deeper colors contain a great amount of antioxidants.
Raspberries are a diuretic and were popularly used in traditional medicine by American Indians to treat digestive problems. They would utilize the roots, leaves, and bark.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Raspberries are most commonly eaten raw, but like most berries, they are very versatile. Common applications include pies, cakes, muffins, parfaits, cereal, or pressed into jams or juices.
Flavor Pairings
Blackberry, Blueberry, Coconut, Lemon, Orange, Peach, Raspberry, Rhubarb, Ginger, Basil, Mint, Thyme, Almond, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Lavendar, Blue Cheese, White Chocolate, Dark Chocolate
How to Prepare
Gently wash raspberries before using.
How to Store & Use in the Kitchen
Store raspberries in a well-ventilated container in the refrigerator. They can be frozen to prolong shelf life to 12-18 months. Be sure that raspberries are completely dry before freezing. If wet raspberries are frozen, frost damage can occur.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
The entire raspberry, including the core, is edible.
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
32°F
RECOMMENDED TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
32-39°F (Cold Storage)
SUBJECT TO CHILLING INJURY:
Yes. Raspberries can turn black in the center when stored below optimal temperatures.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
90-95%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
Yes - Low
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
Yes - Low
Quality Assessment
Good quality raspberries have a deep color and are plump – not mushy or soft. Raspberries are one of the most perishable berry varieties and should not be stored for long periods of time. Do not stack clamshell of berries because the weight can cause the fruit to bruise.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, raspberries may last up to 3-6 days.
