RASPBERRIES

Raspberries have been consumed as early as during the Paleolithic era and the fruit has been a part of the human diet ever since. The first written accounts on cultivating this fruit date back as far as the 5th century, to the time of the Roman Emperor Palladium.

The European settlers brought raspberries to North America and cross-bred them with the local black raspberry.

Vacuum dried raspberries keep their flavour and texture and can be used the same as fresh raspberries – in a breakfast mix, in yoghurt, cakes, pancakes, muffins and many more. Raspberries are a perfect snack, which can be eaten on their own or together with other dried fruits. They can also be used for preparing no-bake cakes, etc.

The raspberry flavour goes well with coconut, dates, almonds, lemons and, of course, chocolate, but can also be used to make dishes with chicken.

Raspberries are native to areas with a mild climate in Europe and North Asia. Today, around 200 different species from golden yellow to a dark purple colour can be found across the globe. Bright coloured raspberries have the highest sugar content.

Most raspberries are produced in Russia, Poland and USA.

In traditional medicine, raspberry leaves can be used to make remedies and teas.

According to Greek mythology, raspberries were once white; however, when the nymph Ida was picking them for baby Zeus, who was crying, she pricked herself and the blood from her finger coloured them red.

Raspberries are one of the few fruits that stop ripening when picked.