Today we want to talk about our raspberries. They grow a few miles from Lake Como.Wonderfully delicious, bright-red raspberry is among the most popular berries to relish! They are rich source of health promoting plant-derived nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.
Botanically, The raspberry is the edible fruit of a multitude of plant species in the genus Rubus of the rose family.It is a small shrub belonging to the family Rosaceae, in the genus: Rubus. It grows very well under temperate climates. The berry is native to Europe but now widely cultivated in many temperate regions all over the world. Chief producers of raspberries are Poland, United States, Germany, Russia, and Chile.
Several subspecies of raspberries are grown; however, the most popular commercial red-raspberry cultivar is derived from the hybridization of R. idaeus (European raspberry) and R. strigosus (American raspberry) types.
Technically, the whole berry is an aggregate of small drupe-lets, which are arranged in circular fashion around a hollow central cavity. Each tiny drupelet features small juicy pulp with a single, tiny whitish-yellow seed. Raspberries have a taste that varies by cultivar, and ranges from sweet to acidic, a feature quite similar to strawberries.
Raspberry has conical shape, weighs about 2-4 g and contains 80-100 drupelets arranged in circular layers. While the most common type of raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is red-pink in color, hybrids actually come in a range of colors, including black, purple, orange, yellow and white.
Delicious raspberries are low in calories and saturated fats but are rich source of dietary fiber, and antioxidants. 100 g berries hold just 52 calories but provide 6.5 g of fiber (16% of daily recommended intake).
Raspberries have significantly high levels of phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid (tannin), quercetin, gallic acid, cyanidins, pelargonidins, catechins, kaempferol and salicylic acid. Scientific studies show that the antioxidant compounds in these berries play potential role against cancer, aging, inflammation, and neuro-degenerative diseases.
Xylitol is a low-calorie sugar substitute extracted from raspberries. A teaspoonful of xylitol carries just 9.6 calories as compared to 15 calories in sugar. Xylitol absorbs more slowly in the intestines than sugar and does not contribute to high glycemic index, and thus, can be helpful in diabetics.
Fresh raspberries are an excellent sources of vitamin-C, which is also a powerful natural antioxidant. 100 g berries provide 26.2 mg or about 47% of DRI of vitamin C. Consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps the human body develop resistance against infectious agents, counter inflammation, and scavenge harmful free radicals.
Raspberry contains anti-oxidant vitamins like vitamin A, and vitamin E. In addition to the above-mentioned antioxidants, it is also rich in several other health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as avengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.
Raspberry has an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of about 4900 µmol TE per 100 grams, crediting it among the top-ranked ORAC fruits.
Raspberries contain a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, iron and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells.
They are rich in B-complex group of vitamins and vitamin K. The berries contain very good amounts of vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, and folic acid. These vitamins are function as co-factors and help body in the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
After these many words, we say to you that if you come with us on holiday in Italy in the Lombardy region near Lake Como. You can taste the raspberries in season directly from plants, or during our breakfasts and dinners.
