How to Grow, Harvest, and Enjoy the Health Benefits of Raspberries
- OSF Orto
History
It is thought that raspberries originated in Asia Minor. The people of Troy (Turkey) appear to have gathered raspberries wild in Asia Minor in the 1st Century BC, and Roman agriculturist Palladius recorded it as domesticated in the 4th Century AD. It was written by Pliny the Elder in 45 AD that the Greeks called red raspberries “Ida fruit” after Mount Ida. Raspberries have long been popular in food and medicine, and their juice has been used as a red stain in art since ancient times.
Fun Facts About Raspberries
There has been a recent increase in the demand for fruit wines, and raspberries produce some of the best. In order to produce a raspberry-flavored wine that is less expensive, some wineries add raspberry juice to grape wine.
Health Benefits
Despite their small size, raspberries are packed with nutrients. The potassium they contain helps to lower blood pressure and is essential to heart function. The omega-3 fatty acids contained in raspberries protect against heart disease and strokes. Moreover, they contain manganese, which helps regulate blood sugar and maintain healthy bones and skin.
Raspberries are an excellent source of B vitamins, fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C.
When to Plant Raspberries
Plant raspberries in the fall or early spring, ideally between October and March when the weather is cool and moist. Temperatures between cool and mild are best for growing raspberries. It is ideal to grow raspberries between 60°F and 75°F (16°C to 24°C).
It is best to plant raspberries in well-drained, organic soil. A loamy and fertile soil with good water holding-capacity is also ideal for raspberry plants. Raspberries should be spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart in rows that are about 72 inches (183 cm) apart.
Harvesting
In most raspberry varieties, the growth cycle from bloom to fruit maturity is about 60 to 70 days. For early-ripening varieties, raspberry harvest usually starts in late May or early June, and for late-ripening varieties, it extends until August or September.
Companion Plants for Raspberries
The best companion plants to grow with raspberries are lavender, clover, chives, onions, garlic, oats, and marigolds.
Summary
Raspberries originated in Asia Minor in the 1st Century BC and were domesticated in the 4th Century AD. They are popular in food and medicine, and their juice has been used as a red stain in art since ancient times. Wineries add raspberry juice to grape wine to produce a raspberry-flavored wine that is less expensive. Raspberries are packed with nutrients, such as potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, B vitamins, fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C, and should be planted in well-drained, organic soil with good water holding-capacity. Companion plants for raspberries include lavender, clover, chives, onions, garlic, oats, and marigolds.
