Raspberry
Raspberries are an important commercial fruit crop, widely grown in all temperate regions of the world.
As raspberries are highly perishable, they should only be purchased one or two days prior to use. The goal when purchasing this fruit is to choose berries that are fully ripe without being overly so while choose berries that are firm, plump, and deep in color, and avoid those that are soft, mushy, or moldy. If you are buying berries prepackaged in a container, make sure that they are not packed too tightly, since this may cause them to become crushed and damaged, and that the container has no signs of stains or moisture, indications of possible spoilage. Within the U.S., raspberries are generally available from mid-summer through early fall.
Raspberries freeze very well. Wash them gently using the low pressure of the sink sprayer so that they will maintain their delicate shape and then pat dry with a paper towel. Arrange them in a single layer on a flat pan or cookie sheet and place them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the berries to a heavy plastic freezer bag or plastic freezer container that can be sealed and return them to the freezer where they will keep for up to one year.
Serving Tips
1. Mix fresh raspberries in with creamy millet porridge for a sweet morning breakfast treat.
2. They can be a great snack to enjoy in between meals.
3. Raspberry has also been used in fruit-enriched pastries as in popular danish pastry.
4. While at first glance it may seem unusual, the flavor combination created by sprinkling fresh raspberries with balsamic vinegar will send your palate to heaven.
5. Plain yogurt mixed with raspberries, honey, and freshly chopped mint is delicious eaten as is or used as a topping for waffles or pancakes.
6. Depending upon how much sweetener you use, homemade raspberry coulis can be used as a sauce for either savory poultry dishes or sweet desserts.
7. Fresh raspberry sections are a great addition to fruit or green salad.
8. Raspberries are a popular addition to dairy products, as in strawberry flavored ice creams, milkshakes, smoothies, and yogurt.
Nutritional value
The aggregate fruit structure contributes to
raspberry's nutritional value, as it increases the proportion of
dietary fiber, which is among the highest known in whole foods, up to 20% fiber per total weight. Raspberries are a rich source of
vitamin C, with 32 mg per serving of 1 cup, manganese and dietary fiber.
B vitamins 1–3, folic acid,
magnesium, copper, and
iron are present in raspberries. Raspberries contain anthocyanin pigments, ellagic acid quercetin, gallic acid, cyanidins, pelargonidins, catechins, kaempferol and salicylic acid.
Yellow raspberries and others with
pale-colored fruits are lower in anthocyanins. Both yellow and red raspberries contain carotenoids, mostly lutein esters, but these are masked by anthocyans in the red fruits.
Health benefits of Raspberry:
1. Delicious raspberries are low in calories and fats. Nonetheless, they are rich source of dietary fiber, and antioxidants. 100 g berries hold just 52 calories but provide 6.5 g of fiber.
2. Raspberries have significantly high levels of phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid (tannin), quercetin, gallic acid, cyanidins, pelargonidins, catechins, kaempferol and salicylic acid. Scientific studies show that the antioxidant compounds in these berries play potential role against cancer, aging, inflammation, and neuro-degenerative diseases.
3. Xylitol is a low-calorie sugar substitute extracted from raspberries.It can be helpful in diabetics to regulate wide fluctuations of blood sugar levels.
4. Fresh raspberries are an excellent sources of
vitamin-C, which is also a powerful natural antioxidant.
5. Raspberry contains anti-oxidant vitamins like
vitamin A, and
vitamin E. In addition to the above-mentioned antioxidants, it is also rich in several other health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zea-xanthin, and ß-carotene, albeit in small amounts.
6. Raspberry has an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of about 4900 µmol TE per 100 grams, crediting it among the top-ranked ORAC fruits.
7. They contain a good amount of minerals like
potassium, manganese, copper, iron and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is utilized by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells.
8 .They are rich in
B-complex group of vitamins and
vitamin K. The berries contain very good amounts of vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, and folic acid. These vitamins are function as co-factors and help body in the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
Read More at Wikipedia.
Recipe using Raspberry see
Here and Here.Also see
Elderberries, Durian Fruit, Finger lime.
