vadelma

Vadelma is the edible fruit of Rubus idaeus, a deciduous shrub in the rose family. The fruit is an aggregate formed from many small drupelets and is most commonly red, though yellow and black cultivars exist. The name vadelma is used in Finnish to refer to both the fruit and the plant bearing it. Raspberries are native to Europe and temperate regions and are grown commercially and in home gardens around the world.

The plant produces arching, thorny canes that live for several years. Leaves are palmately compound with typically three to five leaflets. Flowers are pale pink to white and appear in clusters. Fruit ripening occurs mainly in midsummer for summer-bearing types, while some everbearing or autumn-fruiting varieties may produce fruit later in the season or in a second crop.

Cultivation is widespread in temperate regions. Raspberries prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH around 5.5–6.5 and benefit from trellising or support to keep canes upright. Plants are usually spaced about 0.6–1.0 meters apart. Pruning after harvest promotes new fruiting canes. Propagation is often through rooting of prepared canes or transplanting runners. Common challenges include fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and Botrytis, as well as pests like raspberry cane midge; careful management helps maintain yield and fruit quality.

Uses and nutrition: Raspberries are consumed fresh or processed into jams, desserts, or baked goods. They are relatively high in dietary fiber and vitamin C and provide antioxidants, while being low in fat. Roughly 50–60 kcal per 100 grams is typical, depending on variety. Due to their delicate nature, raspberries have a short shelf life but freeze well and are widely traded commercially. In Nordic countries, including Finland, vadelma is a common garden crop and a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes.