Golden Raspberries

A golden raspberry is a natural variant of the red raspberry, with a more sweet, mild flavor and a remarkable pale yellow to orange-gold color. These berries are somewhat unusual when compared to conventional raspberries, and they are usually sold as a specialty item, often commanding a higher price as a result. Typically, they are available in mid summer and again in the fall, when they come into season for only a few weeks. Greengrocers and large markets may stock golden raspberries, and they are not uncommon at farmers' markets. It is also possible to establish golden raspberry canes at home, for gardeners who have the space.

All raspberries grow on thorny canes which will yield a profusion of fruit if they are well cared for. Raspberries will continue fruiting year after year, as long as the canes are pruned and separated to promote growth. Many consumers greatly enjoy raspberries since they have a rich, intense flavor which can be used in a wide range of foods. Raspberries can also be eaten out of hand, and they are a very healthy fruit in addition to being tasty.

One of the most common golden raspberry cultivars is the Fall Gold, a very hardy specimen which can be grown in USDA zones five through nine. The precise color of a Fall Gold's crop can vary, depending on an assortment of conditions, so the fruits may be straw yellow to dark orange when mature. This cultivar of the golden raspberry is an everbearing cane, meaning that it will produce two crops each year.

Golden raspberries can be used in any recipe which calls for regular raspberries. They make excellent jam, fruit fillings for cakes, and decorative features on mousse. They can also be included in fruit salads, dessert platters, and smoothies. Since the golden raspberry is a bit more rare than red raspberries, most cooks try to use them in dishes where their delicate flavor will shine.

Health benefits of raspberries

Delicious raspberries are low in calories and saturated fats but are rich source of dietary fiber and antioxidants. 100 g berries contain just 52 calories but provide 6.5 g of fiber (16% of daily recommended intake).

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 these antioxidant compounds in these berries have potential health benefits against cancer, aging, inflammation, and neuro-degenerative diseases.

Xylitol is a low-calorie sugar substitute extracted from raspberries. A teaspoonful of xylitol contains just 9.6 calories as compared to that of sugar, which has 15 calories. Xylitol absorbs more slowly in the intestines than sugar and does not contribute to high glycemic index, and thus, can be helpful in diabetics.

Fresh raspberries are an excellent source of vitamin-C, which is also a powerful natural antioxidant. 100 g berries provide 26.2 mg or about 47% of DRI of vitamin C. Consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents, counter inflammation, and scavenge harmful free radicals.

Raspberry contains anti-oxidant vitamins like vitamin A, and vitamin E. In addition to the above-mentioned antioxidants, is also rich in several other health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zea-xanthin, and ß-carotene in small amounts. Altogether, these compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.

Raspberry has an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of about 4900 per 100 grams, crediting it among the top-ranked ORAC fruits.

Raspberries 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 used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells.

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.

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