How to Pick Raspberries
Raspberries are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They are also relatively easy to pick, making them a great activity for families and friends.
Here are some tips on how to pick raspberries:
1) Choose a ripe raspberry. A ripe raspberry will be plump, firm, and deep in color. It should also come off the stem easily when you gently tug on it.
2) Wear long sleeves and gloves. Some Raspberry plants have thorns, so it’s a good idea to protect your arms and hands. (Our berries are thornless at Fort Vannoy Farms.)
3) Use a shallow container. Raspberries are delicate, so it’s important to use a shallow container that won’t bruise them. A basket or colander is a good option.
4) Pick the berries from the top down. The berries at the top of the plant are usually the ripest.
5) Be gentle. Raspberries are easily bruised, so be gentle when you pick them.
Once you’ve picked your raspberries, you can enjoy them fresh, or use them in a variety of recipes. Here is one recipe that you can try:
Raspberry Crumble
Ingredients:
1 pint fresh raspberries
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2) In a medium bowl, combine raspberries, sugar, flour, oats, walnuts, and cinnamon.
3) Pour mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
4) Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until topping is golden brown.
5) Serve warm or cold.
More recipes can be found at raspberry recipes.
Enjoy!
Other Tips for Picking Raspberries
Raspberries are typically ripe in the summer months.
If you are picking raspberries from a wild plant, be sure to check for thorns before you start picking.
Raspberries can be frozen for later use. Just rinse them gently and then freeze them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once they are frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag.
Raspberries are a good source of vitamin C and fiber.
I hope you enjoy picking and eating raspberries this summer at Fort Vannoy Farms!
