The raspberry is a small, palatable berry of large pudgy crop by the scientific name Rebus. The small red, black, purplish or golden berry Pascal known for its juicy taste is packed with vitamins, antioxidants and rich in fiber. Originally from temperate regions, it grows in most parts of the world due to its suitability for fresh eating, use in jams, desserts, and drinks. Raspberries are bushy plants which bear small and spiny structures and its fruits are aggregated, hollow and fleshy drupelets. Apart from being used as seasonings, they have a number of health benefits such as; playing a role in the health of our hearts, digestion, and the immune system.
Origen of raspberry:
Raspberry is expected to have been developed in Eastern Asia and it grows naturally in Europe, Northern Asia and North America. Eating wild raspberries seems to be a practice that dates back to prehistoric man. Raspberries started to be grown in Europe in the 4th century, and the earliest records of the use of the fruit shows that while in the kitchen they were used in Ancient Greece and Rome, while in medicinal practices they were used by the Romans. It was later taken to other parts of the world for example the American, where species like the black raspberry (*Rubus occidentalis*) grew naturally. Modern raspberry cultivation takes place worldwide, on behalf of which its background is based on the diverse geographical area of the temperate climate zone.
Varieties of raspberry:
Raspberries are berries that exist in different colors and in this case they differ in various ways. The most popular cultivars of red raspberries are the ‘Heritage’ for high yield, vigor and high antioxidant content and the ‘Telamon’ for big berries with high levels of sweetness. Black raspberry varieties, including ‘Black Hawk,’ has a strong, The deep berry flavor that makes them ideal for use in jams and desserts. Purple raspberries are the cross between red and black ones and have the characteristics of these types: tart and sweet. Second, there are none-such as ‘Fall Gold’ which is distinctively yellow – orange in color and has a delicate flavor. Finally, within these categories, the raspberries are classified as summer bearing and ever bearing. While summer- ripening varieties as ‘Willemite’ produce fruit only in mid-summer, there are ever bearing or fall bearing varieties including ‘Autumn Bliss’ that bear fruit both in mid-summer and in the fall. These varieties are adapted to different climates and growing conditions as well as in the culinary utilization of raspberries as a fruit crop for both home production and commercial production.
Nutrition value of raspberry:
They are energy wise but packed with tons of nutrients that are so essential in the body hence considered a beneficiary health food. A cup of raspberry contains about 66 calories only, 6 grams of carbohydrates and 8 grams of fiber which enhances digestive system and prolong satiety. They are a rich source of vitamin C and comprise more than 25 % of the recommended daily intake, which is helpful for the immune system and to build healthy skin. Manganese is another important nutrient that is present in generous proportions in raspberries while relatively minor constituents include vitamins K, magnesium, and potassium. Also, raspberries are good sources of quercetin, ellagic acid, anthocyanin, which aid to decrease oxidative stress and inflammation. It’s for this reason that they can be used for regulating blood sugar levels since they have low glycemic.an excellent choice for a healthy diet. Raspberries are a healthier option for the heart as they are contain nutrients, antioxidants, and they are low in calorie.
Characteristics of raspberry:
This fruit has a complex structure since the fruit is small with a round shape made up of hundreds of small drupelets containing individual seeds, and all these make up the fruit’s thin and air cavity. There are also different colors from red, black, purple to yellow, but the most common color is red. Their texture is tender and plump, juicy and velvety and it releases a proper ratio of sweet and sour taste when consumed. Originally, raspberries are valued for their exquisite smell, more than for the smell, which makes them very popular in Amateur cuisine. The plants are non-annual, with main stem(s) being woody and some of them contain thorns, and the plants are well adapted to the temperate climatic conditions. Raspberries are not especially demanding and can tolerate a number of soil types if they are good and healthy, that is delivery of the right nutrients and water, and sunlight. It matures in summer or fall or both, depending on the type and because of its soft nature, it should be handled gently. Apart from their appearance, raspberries are nutritious, flavorful and can be used raw or in perfecting recipes of baked products, confectionery products, jams and beverages.
Health benefit of raspberry:
Raspberries have ample health benefits as the inclusion of this fruit in ones diet plan is highly recommended. They contain vitamin C, quercetin, and ellagic acid which assists in the defense against radical activity and practicality help to reduce inflammation. Such attributes reduce the incidence of chronic illnesses including, heart disease and certain forms of cancers. They are packed with fiber that enhances digestion, ensures that bowel movements occur as planned and that there is a control of cholesterol hence practical benefits to the heart. Raspberries are also used for their ability to help aid weight loss. That is because of their low calorie content paired with high fiber, which further helps to decrease the number of consumed calories. Two excerpts, ketones and anthocyanins inherent in raspberries, could act as regulators of metabolism and fat-burning processes. Furthermore, it has low glycemic properties, which will be healthier for those in special diets such as diabetic patients. Responsible for blood clotting, vitamin K, and for strengthening the bones, manganese are available in this fruit; potassium helps avoid high blood pressure. There are other benefits of food rich in vitamin C not only do they have an immunity boosting ability but have other health benefits as well. Raspberries contain necessary nutrients and bioactive substances necessary for different body functions and help people to live longer and healthier lives.
Uses of raspberry:
Raspberries are very versatile and can be employed in different culinary and non culinary purposes. Their favored taste is sweet and sour making them ideal for the fresh product needing no cooking whereby it is usually eaten as a snack or used in salads, yogurt or to make smoothies. In cooking, raspberries are used to add color and taste to cakes, muffins, pies, tarts; and in general, to make desserts more inviting. They are also used to prepare jams, jellies, and preserves because they contain pectin – an agent used in setting such preparations. Raspberry juice and puree is used in concoctions, including drinking and cooking, in sauces, and syrups; freeze-dried raspberry can be eaten as snack or sprinkled over cereals or desert. In addition to usage on foods, raspberries are used in making of organic dyes and flavors. In the cosmetic industry it is used as a moisturizing and an antioxidant in a number of cosmetic products including lotions and sunscreens. In terms of medical uses, eating raspberries and the leaves of the plant is used in some folk medicine due to its supposed anti-inflammatory nature and raspberry leaf tea is a common drink used to cure digestive and women’s reproductive problems. Raspberries in their many uses and purpose reveal why the fruit has earned a special place in everyday and niche culinary.
Drinks of raspberry:
A raspberry is used commonly in many drinks to increase its taste quality and add beautiful red color to the drink’s appearance. It is employed for making smoothies and is usually added with yogurt, bananas or other fruits in making good and healthy drink. Raspberry juice is well loved whether consumed singly or combined with other fruits juices because of its sour taste. Raspberries are then used in cocktail preparation to produce cocktails like raspberry mojito, raspberry daiquiris and raspberry martinis, raspberries compliment spirits like rum, vodka and gin. Raspberries also improve other non-alcoholic drinks that people take in their day to day lives. Two examples of flavors are raspberry lemonade and raspberry iced tea because of the tart or bitterness of the fruit with other flavors. But there is also the use of raspberry for infusions for sparkling or carbonated water, or for flavored soda back, which will have a delicate fruity taste. Blend is incorporated in punches and mocktails therefore suitable for consumption by people of all ages especially the ones in a bottled juice or puree form. Due to it suitable blending with both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks and the special nature of its taste, raspberries are still a popular fruit in making better and more enjoyable beverages.
Dessert of raspberry :
Fresh raspberries are widely incorporated in many sweet dishes and beverages due to both their taste and rich hue. It may be enjoyed fresh in fruit salads; with cream; or even with a spoonful of sugar to make fruits wash down well. For cooking, raspberries are delicious in pies, tarts and crumbles, and less likely to disturbing the texture of baked goods due to their juicy nature. The other products include raspberry sorbet and raspberry ice cream which provide a sweet icy delight which complements the fresh taste of raspberry. Raspberry coulis raspberries and sugar are a simple sauce which may be used to garnish cakes, cheesecakes, or chocolate mousses. The fruit can be incorporated as a color and tastiest and flavored into the batter or as a topping to the cheesecake amid the creamy consistency of the cream cheese filling. Raspberry mousse which is whipped cream and raspberry puree is a delightful dessert with sufficient fat content to cause feelings of luxury during celebratory meals. Besides, raspberries are combined with other products in chocolate-raspberry truffles or tarts for instance, because its sourness combines well with sweet chocolate. In either the primary role or in accompaniments, the addition of raspberries to deserts provides an appealing food coloring as well as a burst of flavor.