Raspberry belongs to the rose family and is a sister of the blackberry. Raspberry is a shrub and has been grown for food in Europe since the Middle Ages. This fruit originally comes from East Asia. So-called hunter-gatherers from prehistoric times already picked wild raspberries. Dozens of varieties of raspberries are grown today. These are divided into summer raspberries and autumn raspberries. The raspberry is a popular plant for bumblebees and bees. They pollinate the plant, but the raspberry can also pollinate itself. When the raspberry is ripe, it is easy to pick; it quickly detaches from the plant. You have to do this carefully otherwise you will crush it. NB! This article is written from the personal view of the author and may contain information that is not scientifically substantiated and/or in line with the general view.

Contents:

• In the garden
• Against cataracts
• Fruit rich in vitamins and minerals
• Ellagic acid
• Good for athletes
• Cancer-fighting fruit
• Very strong antioxidant
• Raspberry eating tips
• Raspberries with lettuce and potatoes

In the garden

Many people find the bright red, sweet raspberry tastier than the blackberry. Summer raspberries are ripe from early July. A raspberry bush also does well in the pot. So you can put it on the balcony. However, the raspberry bush does grow larger when it is in the open ground. Raspberries also grow well in the Netherlands.

Against cataracts

Rembert Dodoens recommended the raspberry against eye diseases. He recommended eating a mixture of honey and raspberry. By the way, there are many antioxidants in raspberries. These are known to prevent eye cataracts. So Dodoens was indeed right when he wrote that it is good for the eyes. Honey can be considered an edible medicine. It is a well-functioning herbal antibiotic.

Vitamin and mineral rich fruit

Raspberries are very healthy and contain various vitamins and especially minerals. It contains a lot of vitamin C. 240 Grams of raspberry is enough for the Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin C. This is of course a large amount that you will not easily achieve. Fortunately, vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables. The raspberry also contains vitamin B11, E and K. The minerals that raspberries contain are: manganese, magnesium, copper and potassium. Raspberries are fruits that are particularly rich in fiber.

Ellagic acid

The raspberry is a good source of the tannin called ellagic acid. This polyphenol is found in all rose crops, pomegranate, goji berries, blackberries, strawberries and walnuts. Ellagic acid is a very healthy phytonutrient. It is one of the stronger antioxidants that neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are responsible for cell damage, DNA damage and can cause serious diseases such as cancer. At this point, the raspberry, like many other fruits, is a fruit that reduces the risk of developing cancer.

Good for athletes

The raspberry contains cyanidin-3-glucosylrutinoside, which is a substance that promotes muscle recovery after major physical exertion. A scientific study from 2006 showed this. There is also cyanidin-3-rutinoside in the raspberry. According to another scientific study from 2006, this polyphenol is good for preventing leukemia or blood cancer. The two substances with difficult chemical terms belong to the anthocyanins, which give the raspberry its red color. In signature theory, it would be said that it is logical that raspberry is good for the blood, since the raspberry itself has a red color.

Cancer-fighting fruit

Kaempferol is a phytonutrient that is also found in the raspberry. This substance is good for general vitality and energy management. It also contains quercetin, a flavonol that works as an antioxidant, just like many other substances in raspberries. It has been shown that quercetin has an anti-tumor effect. It therefore fits well in a diet that supports chemotherapy. In addition, the quercetin in raspberry is a histamine inhibitor. This reduces allergic reactions. Histamine is an important substance in the body and works, among other things, as a neurotransmitter.

Very strong antioxidant

Dutch scientific research published in the journal Biofactors shows that the antioxidant effect of raspberry is three times that of kiwis and twice that of tomato. Several substances in raspberries work as antioxidants, but vitamin C and ellagic acid are the most active.

Raspberry eating tips

Raspberries should not be picked too early because then they will be sour. Only when it is fully ripe, and no longer looks perfect, is it nice and sweet. Raspberries are very soft when ripe. Therefore it is not an ideal snack fruit; you have to add a napkin because your hands are turning red. You can make a fresh mousse from crushed raspberries to serve as a sauce over a dessert such as homemade ice cream. You can mix this raspberry mousse with honey. You can also spread the mousse on a cake or a pre-baked cake base. It is best to finish the cake fresh just before serving it with whipped cream. Make a layer of raspberry mousse and a layer of whipped cream. Place a few raspberries on top of the whipped cream layer as a crown. You can also eat raspberries deliciously in a summer fruit salad.In a blender with fruits such as watermelon, you can put frozen raspberries instead of ice cubes. This is how you make a delicious smoothie! 

Raspberries with lettuce and potatoes

Raspberries also go well in a green salad. You can combine raspberries well with lettuce, cucumber and balsamic vinegar. Once you have picked a lot of raspberries you can make raspberry jam. If you pick them overripe you need to use much less sugar. Raspberries are also delicious to combine with boiled potatoes. With this potato variation you give the Dutch basic vegetable a nice summery twist.

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