Did you know that not all raspberries are red? You can find raspberries in black, purple and even yellow. Their sweet fragrance is in season usually during June to July in the United States. Raspberries are actually a collection of small seed-containing fruits arranged around a hollow central cavity. Loganberries and boysenberries are raspberry hybrids. Read to learn about how to select and store raspberries and all their amazing healthy benefits!

Raspberries were thought to have originated in eastern Asia during prehistoric times, however they were not cultivated until maybe the mid-1500s, when there is the first known mention of them. People thought they weren’t significant food sources and would throw the seeds around, causing them to grow even more. They were carried across the Bering Straight by travelers and animals. Today, the leading commercial producers of raspberries are Russia, Poland, Yugoslavia, Germany, Chile and the United States.

When selecting raspberries, be sure they are plump, firm and fully colored. Avoid the soft and mushy raspberries. They are also highly perishable. You may have only a couple days after purchasing or picking them to eat them. This means you also have to use extreme caution when storing them. They do freeze will and will last up to 1 year frozen. When freezing raspberries, wash them gently in water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Arrange them in a flat layer to freeze. After they are frozen, put them in a plastic bag. Lemon juice will help preserve the color.

The great raspberry taste is not the only reason to indulge in these fruits. They also have great health benefits. Raspberries are an excellent source of manganese and vitamin C. This helps protect tissues from oxygen-related problems. They are also a good source of riboflavin, folate, niacin, magnesium, potassium and copper. But most of all, they contain ellagic acid, which is responsible for much of the antioxidant power in raspberries. They have 50% higher antioxidant activity than strawberries, 3x that of kiwi, and 10x that of tomatoes. This antioxidant power help neutralize free radicals to help prevent unwanted damage to cell membranes. The ellagic acid is also an anti-carcinogenic compound that may help prevent cancer.

Raspberries have a minimal impact on blood sugar. This is because they slow the release of carbohydrates into the blood stream, which has a positive effect for those at risk of diabetes or people with diabetes. However, raspberries have a measureable amount of oxalates that may crystallize in the body and cause problems. Those with untreated kidney or gallbladder issues may have to consult a physician before consuming large amounts of raspberries.

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