Raspberry
The
raspberry bush is believed to have originated in East Asia. Early
prehistoric documents indicate that the wild raspberry existed
hundreds of thousands of years ago. The first red raspberries
cultivated in Europe date back to the Crusades. It is not until the
19th Century that it gained popularity in Europe and North
America.
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The raspberry is a cluster of many small juicy fruits, or
drupelets, attached to one and other. Each of these little fruits
or drupelets contains a tiny seed called a drupe.
As a rule, wild raspberries are smaller than cultivated raspberries. Other than red raspberries, there also black, yellow, orange, amber or white raspberries. They are all sweet, tasty and slightly acid.
As a rule, wild raspberries are smaller than cultivated raspberries. Other than red raspberries, there also black, yellow, orange, amber or white raspberries. They are all sweet, tasty and slightly acid.
- Even more fragile than strawberries, raspberries do not tolerate heat, transportation and handling. It is recommended to eat them as fresh as possible.
- Do not wash raspberries as they will absorb the water and soften. If absolutely necessary, proceed very carefully and just before use.
- Use raspberries just like strawberries. Most recipes work for one or the other.
- Raspberry puree, or coulis, is particularly popular and used in pastries, puddings, sherbets, ice cream, and to coat other preparations.
- In addition to pies, syrups, marmalades, jellies or stewed fruits, raspberries are a colourful addition to fruit salads, cereal or crepes. They can also be used to make raspberry liqueur or fruit brandy.
- Raspberries also have their place in main courses to sweeten
lettuces that are a little bitter like arugula or dandelion leaves,
and they go well with white meats and poultry.
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Grilled Lime-glazed Pineapple with Raspberry and Hazelnut Salad |
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Pork Tenderloin with Raspberry Sauce |
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Honeyed Fruit Jardinière with Camembert |
| For all our recipes featuring raspberries... | |
Raspberries are available year-round in METRO supermarkets; the
local harvests are in the summer.
The raspberry is a good source of vitamin C and provides potassium
and magnesium as well as a generous amount of fibre. It is diuretic
and laxative.
Raspberries are very fragile and highly perishable. They should not
be left at room temperature or exposed to the sun for any length of
time. They will keep, unwashed, for a few days in the refrigerator.
Like strawberries, raspberries can be stored longer if not washed and by adding a little sugar.
Raspberries can be frozen whole or puréed, with or without sugar. Freezing will cause a loss of vitamin C and this can be minimized by adding a little lemon juice. To preserve their natural appearance, do not thaw raspberries completely before serving.
Choose firm, brightly-coloured raspberries that are free of mould.
Like strawberries, raspberries can be stored longer if not washed and by adding a little sugar.
Raspberries can be frozen whole or puréed, with or without sugar. Freezing will cause a loss of vitamin C and this can be minimized by adding a little lemon juice. To preserve their natural appearance, do not thaw raspberries completely before serving.
Choose firm, brightly-coloured raspberries that are free of mould.