Raspberry

The raspberry is a temperate fruit produced by plants in the genus Rubus, family Rosaceae. The cultivated red raspberry, Rubus idaeus, is the most common form; black and purple cultivars are also grown. The edible fruit is an aggregate accessory fruit composed of numerous drupelets arranged around a hollow central receptacle.

Raspberries grow on perennial canes. Floricanes bear fruit in their second year, while primocanes grow vegetatively in year one. The plants prefer full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil and are often supported by trellises to keep canes upright.

Propagation is typically by rooting shoots or crown divisions, and pruning is a key management practice. After harvest, spent canes are removed to improve air flow and yield for the next season.

Raspberries are valued for their flavor and are used fresh, in jams, desserts, and beverages. They are high in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and polyphenols such as ellagitannins and anthocyanins, contributing antioxidant activity.

Raspberries are fragile and perishable; they do not ripen after picking. They should be refrigerated and handled gently, with washing done just before use.

Common production challenges include botrytis fruit rot, powdery mildew, cane diseases, and pests such as raspberry beetles. Birds may also damage ripe fruit.

Raspberries are native to Europe and Asia and are now widely cultivated in temperate regions around the world.