RED RASPBERRIES

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OUR RASPBERRIES WILL START RIPENING AROUND THE END OF AUGUST.  PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR EXACT RIPENING DATES AND TIMES.

PICKING HOURS:


PRICES:  Will be set closer to harvest
1 pound minimum charge per picking container 
                                                                                     

Updated 4/26/10



 WOW, WHAT ARE THOSE GIANT YELLOW AND BLACK SPIDERS IN THE RASPBERRY PATCH?!
The biological name is Argiope, but most people around here call them the garden or banana spider.  They typically weave large flat webs between plants.  Their diet consists of whatever they catch in their webs.  They are not agressive and are not poisonous to people.  Since they are not agressive, it is very rare for them to bite, unless they feel threatened or are pressed up against the skin.  So if you're afraid of spiders like I am, just leave them alone and give them plenty of space and they won't bother you.  They're just doing their job as organic insecticide.



This is one of our favorite raspberry recipes from the Honey Hill Orchard Cookbook.*  It is a delicious light summer pie.

creamy raspberry pie

                   6 c. fresh raspberries, divided                                                1 c. whipped topping 
                   1 c. sugar                                                                               1 c. powdered sugar
                   3 tbsp. cornstarch                                                                  1 graham cracker pie crust
                   1/2 c. water
                   8 oz. cream cheese, softened

 

Mash about 2 cups raspberries to measure 1 cup.  Combine mashed berries, sugar, cornstarch and water in saucepan.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Cook and stir 2 minutes longer.  Cool to room temperature.  Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, whipped topping and powdered sugar.  Spread on graham cracker crust.  Top with remaining fresh raspberries.  Pour cooled raspberry sauce over top.  Refrigerate 3 hours.


*The Honey Hill Orchard Cookbook is available in the Apple Barn Country Store.
 
Raspberry picking is easy and fun for everyone.


RASPBERRY FACTS
•Raspberries are a very healthy food; they naturally have no fat, cholesterol or sodium. They are a good source of iron and folate (which is used in treatment of low red blood cells or anemia).  Raspberries contain a natural substance called ellagic acid, which is an anti-carcinogenic (cancer-preventing) compound. Raspberries have been shown to lower high blood cholesterol levels and slow release of carbohydrates into the blood stream of diabetics.   They are also high in potassium, vitamin A and calcium and contain about 50% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.
•    Raspberries are high in fiber. One half to one pound of raspberries per day can provide 20 to 30 grams of fiber which is adequate for an adult daily nutrition requirement.
•    Raspberries: 1 pint =2 cups = 3/4 lb  which is good for about 2 to 4 servings.
•    The USDA says 1 cup has about 64 calories!
•    Raspberries are so expensive in the grocery store because they bruise easily, spoil quickly and do not ship well.  One of the reasons it is much better to pick your own!
•    2 quarts (8 cups) of raspberries are needed for a 9" pie.


Tips on how to pick raspberries
1.    Gently grasp the berry with your fingers and thumb, and tug gently.  If it is ripe, it will come off easily in your hand.
2.    Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into your containers. Berries are more fragile than eggs and mush together if    not handled gently.
3.    Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down.

Tips to keep in mind when purchasing berries
1.    Select pump, firm, fully red berries.  Unripe berries will not ripen once picked.  
2.    Be careful not to over-purchase as raspberries quckly mold when left at room temperature and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
3.    Cool raspberries as soon as possible after picking. Raspberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three days.  After a few days in storage, however, the fruit loses its bright color and fresh flavor and tends to shrivel.
4.    DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
5.    Raspberries are more perishable than blueberries or strawberries, so make a point of refrigerating them as soon as possible after purchase. For best flavor and texture, consume them as soon as possible or freeze them for later use.  

Tips for freezing berries
Place raspberries in a colander in a sink of water.  Gently rinse berries.  Lift colander from water and let berries drain. Place berries in a single layer on a cookie sheet and put in freezer.  When berries are frozen, transfer to freezer bags. Berries will not stick together and will be easy to remove from the bag.