Scientifically referred to as Rubus leucodermis, Raspberry has been classified under the division – Magnoliophyta, class- Magnoliopsida, order- Rosales and family – Rosaseae. It belongs to the sub genus Idaeobatus and has been recognized under three major varieties namely Rubus leucodermis var. leucodermis , Rubus leucodermis var. bernardinus Jepson and Rubus leucodermis var. trinitatis Berger.

Nutritional Analysis :

Raspberries rank high in Vitamin content which primarily consists of Vitamin A, C, E, K and B6. Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folate and Pantothenic acid are among other constituents present in raspberries. Minerals that raspberries contain in rich quantities include calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium.

Health Benefits :

Raspberries are rich sources of antioxidants which help in tissue and cell repair, and prevent damage from free radicals. They help in restraining the proliferation of cancer cells, particularly in the colon. Raspberries are extremely beneficial for reducing muscular degeneration which happens to be the prime cause of vision loss among older people. Anthocyanins present in raspberries help prevent the risk of heart diseases to a great extent. They are also a good source of quercetin which immensely reduces the release of histamines in the body, thereby lowering the effect of allergic reactions. Research also reveal that regular consumption of raspberry also helps release pain and inflammation.

Preparation :

Raspberries are either eaten raw, cooked into jellies, jams and juices or converted into dry powder for long term use.

References :

Flora of NW Europe: Rubus idaeus

Health and healing fact sheets, blackberries ~ Connecting Berry Health Benefit Researchers

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry Presents Research from the 2007 International Berry Health Benefits Symposium , Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry ACS Publications, February 2008