Raspberries

Varieties

Major varieties grown in Ontario are Boyne, Festival, Killarney, Titan, Reveille and Nova.

Purple varieties include Royalty and Brandy Wine. Ontario grows black and yellow raspberries as well.

Introduction

Late summer varieties include Autumn Bliss, Autumn Britten and Heritage.

Nutrition

Raspberries are a source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and fibre.

History

Most likely native to Asia, wild raspberries have been eaten since prehistoric times. The Crusaders wrote poems about the delicious fruit with the heady perfume they found on their way to Jerusalem.

Cultivation began in England and France, probably in the 1600s. In North America, raspberries were considered a luxury well into the mid-1800s.

Buying and storing

To pick, do so gently since raspberries are the most fragile of all berries.

When buying, look for firm, dry berries. Avoid overly soft fruit, or those with any trace of mildew.

Highly perishable, raspberries must be refrigerated if not consumed immediately.

They can also be frozen (whole, in a single layer).

Preparing

Just before serving, if necessary, gently and lightly rinse under cold running water, then carefully drain on paper towel.

Raspberries are most commonly eaten as they are, or with fresh cream poured on top.

They're a classic jam fruit and used for making aromatic liqueurs. Also superb in English "summer puddings", compotes, mousses and tarts.