The Plant: Raspberry
The raspberry belongs to the Rosaceae family. This small fruit, also called red raspberry or European raspberry, is a red-fruited species of Rubus native to Europe and northern Asia, commonly cultivated in temperate regions.
The species name Idaeus refers to its occurrence on Mount Ida, near Troy in northwest Turkey, where ancient Greeks were most familiar with it. With their rich color, sweet juicy taste, and antioxidant power, raspberries remain one of the world's most consumed berries.
Raspberries contain vitamins C, K, and E, folate, iron, potassium, and manganese, as well as B-complex vitamins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper. They are also packed with antioxidants including alpha and beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and choline.