Read The Health Benefits of Raspberries
Berries are simply the most delectable fruits you can eat. In addition to being juicy, sweet and tangy, they are just bursting with nutrients, which come from the flavonoids that give the berries their bright colors. Among the berries, one of the most easily recognizable is the raspberry. Many people love eating them fresh while others prefer them in baked desserts and smoothies. Whether you like eating raspberries on their own, mixed with yogurt, on your toast or baked into a muffin, here are some facts that can make one of your favorite fruits more remarkable.
- Raspberries have been enjoyed by man since prehistoric times.
- The raspberry belongs to the same plant family as the blackberry.
- Raspberries are often described as red fruits but there are also raspberries in black, purple and gold, which is the sweetest variety.
- Raspberries are the most delicate among the berries. They should only be washed just before eating. Fresh berries should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days.
- If you are feeling a little lethargic, snacking on a handful of raspberries might perk you up. They are full of manganese, a trace mineral that aids the body in converting fats and protein to energy. Other nutrients found in raspberries include Vitamins A, C and E; folate, potassium and iron.
- The raspberry is an aggregate fruit. A single piece of berry is actually a cluster of tiny fruits with individual seeds growing around a small stem. When harvested, the stem remains with the plant, leaving the raspberry with a hollow center.
- There are more than 200 species of raspberries but only 2 are grown commercially.
- Once picked from the plant, raspberries will not continue to ripen.
- People in Eastern Asia, where raspberries are believed to have originated, used the fruit as a sore throat remedy and teeth cleaner.
- A tea made from red raspberry leaves is said to be good for expectant mothers since it helps strengthen the immune system, provides relief from morning sickness, improves blood circulation and strengthens the muscles in the uterus.
- Several types of berries being consumed today are bred from raspberries. The nessberry was developed by crossing a raspberry with blackberry and dewberry. The loganberry is a combination of a raspberry and a blackberry. Boysenberries, on the other hand, were bred from loganberries, red raspberries and blackberries.
- The Golden Raspberry Awards, or the Razzies, is an annual event that is gives awards to the worst in filmmaking. Categories include Worst Actor and Actress, Worst Director and Worst Picture. Trophies come in the form of a golf ball-sized, gold-painted raspberry sitting on top of a film reel.
Growing Organic Berries: The Ultimate Guide to Naturally Growing the Most Delicious Berries at Home
