Fruits
Botanical name: Rubus idaeus
The raspberry as we know it today stems from the European wild raspberry. These still grow in forests, thickets and hedges, above all in Europe, Asia and north-eastern North America. In this large natural habitat raspberries are also cultivated commercially.
Availability
Raspberries are sold from May to October. The supply is particularly abundant in July and August, when domestic raspberries are available.
Appearance, taste, characteristics
Botanically speaking, the usually red, 1- to 2-cm berry is an aggregate fruit: Many small fruit beads, each with one seed, form the raspberry. It grows on a cone-shaped receptacle, from which it is easily removed when ripe. Raspberries taste sweet and juicy. In addition to the red varieties there are also yellow or pink raspberries.
Ingredients
100 g contain:
|
Raspberry, fresh |
Energy (kcal) |
34 |
Water (g) |
84 |
Protein (g) |
1 |
Fat (g) |
<1 |
Carbohydrates (g) |
5 |
Fibre (g) |
7 |
Vitamin C (mg) |
25 |
Vitamin A (RE) (µg) |
3 |
Folic acid (µg) |
16 |
Potassium (mg) |
170 |
Sodium (mg) |
1 |
Calcium (mg) |
40 |
Magnesium (mg) |
30 |
Iron (mg) |
1.0 |
Quality criteria, optimal storage conditions
Buy only whole, uncrushed fruits. Raspberries that are in already sodden containers should be left in the store.
If you pick the berries yourself, it is a sign of ripeness when the fruits loosen easily from the receptacle.
Raspberries cannot be stored for long; 2 days in the refrigerator are the maximum. The berries should be spread out on a plate and covered with cling film / plastic wrap.
Raspberries do not ripen further after they have been picked.
Form of consumption, use, processing, practical tips for preparation
Raspberries have many uses. In addition to being eaten fresh, they can be used for cakes, red berry compote / Danish dessert, jam, syrup or ice cream.
Handle the fruits very carefully. Do not wash them prior to storage but rather just before use, in standing cold water. This way they will remain juicy without becoming crushed.
A squirt of lemon juice enhances the aroma of raspberries. Raspberry vinegar, raspberry liqueur and raspberry wine are only some examples of the industrial processing of raspberries. Raspberry preserves or deep-frozen raspberries can also be bought in the supermarket. Raspberries are easy to freeze at home ,as well, if they are pre-frozen on a tray.
Seasoning tip
Vanilla, mint, lemon balm or sage taste good with raspberries.
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This article was written by
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