All About Raspberries
History, Health Benefits, and Other Facts of a Unique Bramble Fruit
Oct 14, 2009
Considered a "bramble fruit" because it grows on a prickly shrub and belongs to the rose family, the raspberry has much to offer, including a long history and an abundance of health benefits. In fact, many qualities of the raspberry make it worthy of a closer look.
History of Raspberries
Although raspberries are an exquisite fruit bursting with flavor, in ancient times no one seemed to care about that. Legend has it that the Greeks discovered raspberries in the 1st century BC, when they noticed them growing on the slopes of Mount Ida in Turkey (which in part explains their scientific name — Rubus Idaeus). But people didn’t grow and eat raspberries back then like they do today. Instead, the roots and blossoms of wild raspberry plants were used to make eye ointments, astringents, and teas for stomach and throat problems.
By the 4th Century, the Romans began cultivating raspberries and were likely responsible for spreading the trend throughout Europe. Twelve centuries later, Europeans could be found growing raspberry plants in their home gardens. While raspberries still had medicinal purposes, people had begun to use them as a food too. Raspberries made their way to America by the late 1700s, and commercial production of this tasty fruit was soon on the rise. The popularity of raspberries only continued to grow. Today, people can’t seem to get enough of the them.
Health Benefits of the Raspberry
What makes the raspberry so special? For one thing, it has a nutritional value that’s top-notch. Raspberries contain significant amounts of Vitamin C and folate as well as the minerals potassium, calcium, manganese, and magnesium. Also found in raspberries is the antioxidant anthocyanin, which gives the berries their red color and helps control diabetes and slow the effects of aging. Besides all that, raspberries boast a healthy dose of ellagic acid, a powerful cancer-fighting substance, and fiber — a cupful provides about eight grams.
Other Raspberry Facts
But health benefits aren’t the only thing that put raspberries in a league of their own. Here are some other noteworthy facts about this unique member of the rose family:
- There are more than 200 species of raspberries that grow on five continents. And they’re not just available in red. Raspberries come in shades of gold, purple, black, and white.
- Because raspberries and blackberries are similar bramble fruits, some people can’t tell a black raspberry from a blackberry. The difference? Raspberries have a hollow center. They’re also smaller and more delicate, plus they usually develop more quickly than blackberries.
- Not a true berry, raspberries are considered an aggregate or composite fruit since they are actually a collection of smaller seed fruits called "drupelets."
- Raspberries are expensive to buy at the store for several reasons. Their softness and tendency to bruise easily make them highly perishable and hard to ship. They are also difficult to pick.
- Although raspberries will only last a day or two in the refrigerator, carefully washed, dried, and stored in a heavy plastic bag, they can keep for up to a year in the freezer.
Of course, what’s most special about raspberries is how good they taste, both sweet and tart. And today they can be consumed in a variety of ways — in jams, ice cream, juices, sauces, lemonade, muffins, yogurt, even beer! Raspberries are also great tossed into oatmeal or pancakes, salads, or smoothies. And they’re a perfect pairing for any kind of chocolate. Try this recipe for Easy Raspberry Yogurt Pie and see!
Easy Raspberry Yogurt Pie
Ingredients:
- 16 oz. raspberry yogurt with fruit
- 8 oz. container whipped topping
- fresh raspberries
- chocolate wafer pie crust
Directions:
- Prepare the wafer crust. (A pre-made crust can be used.)
- Combine the yogurt and whipped topping in a mixing bowl.
- Pour mixture into crust and chill several hours until set.
- Top with fresh raspberries and serve.
Raspberries are a healthful, unique fruit that have been around for thousands of years. There are many reasons why the raspberry is special, but taste is number one.
Sources:
Davidson, Alan, and Charlotte Knox. Fruit: A Connoisseur's Guide and Cookbook. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1991.
Flowerdew, Bob. The Complete Book of Fruit: A Practical Guide to Growing and Using Fruits and Nuts. New York: Penguin, 1995.
The North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association.
Pritts, Marvin. “Raspberries and Related Fruit.” Department of Horticulture, Cornell University. October 2007.
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