RUBUS IDAEUS HYBRIDS
MOST AMERICAN red raspberries are grown in the Pacific Northwest and shipped in plastic clamshell packages to all parts of the country. But because raspberries are so delicate, it behooves those interested in top quality to find a source of organic berries close to home—and the berries grow most everywhere in the continental United States.
THE ORGANIC FACTOR
Berries grown close to your home are most likely to be grown organically and be of higher quality, because Pacific Northwest conventional commercial berries are shipped young to all parts of the country. They will not have the flavor and freshness of berries picked yesterday. However, red raspberries don’t need a lot of coddling to produce their crops, so even conventional berries are not likely to carry a load of toxic chemicals, although organic raspberries are available, too.
NUTRITION
Red raspberries are nutritious in some interesting ways. Not only are they rich in vitamin C (13 milligrams per 100 grams), but they are rich in ellagitannins, the precursors of ellagic acid. This latter is a phenolic compound that is a potent anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic substance. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Ellagic acid acts as a scavenger to bind cancer-causing chemicals, rendering them inactive. It inhibits the ability of other chemicals to cause mutations in bacteria. Ellagic acid in raspberries also prevents the binding of carcinogens to DNA and reduces the incidence of cancer in cultured human cells exposed to carcinogens.
The Meeker variety of red raspberry is the best source of ellagic acid, followed by Chilliwack and Willamette. In addition, scientific research suggests that the colorants in red raspberries called anthocyanins play a role in preventing heart disease. Many of its other health benefits depend on the variety as well. The cultivar Caroline, for instance, proved as much as 44 percent higher in beta-carotene, 435 percent higher in vitamin A, 77 percent higher in vitamin E, and 48 percent higher in vitamin C than other raspberry cultivars.
TYPES
Red raspberries are categorized as black, red, purple, and yellow. The black ones are not the same as black raspberries. The differences in taste of the various colors are subtle.
SEASONALITY
High raspberry season is mid-July through mid-September.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Proximity of the farm to market is the key to finding perfect berries, because raspberries can develop mold within a few days of being picked during the warm seasons, and mold gives them a strong, unpleasant mustiness. Check them by looking into the receptacle—the hollow where they attach to the plant. That’s usually where mold starts first. Make sure the berries aren’t squished, with juice running out. They should be velvety-looking, plump, and sound. Taste one if you can—it should be noticeably sweet and aromatic, not sour. Locally-grown, organic berries grown in rich, compost-amended soil will have an exceptionally appealing, bright, sprightly flavor.
If you find a source of perfect, organic berries, buy lots and freeze them in a single layer on cookie sheets. When they’re frozen, put them in freezer bags and store for later use.
USES
Red raspberries have an affinity for many other flavors, especially chocolate. ....read more
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