Nutritious raspberries are easy as ever to include in your diet. They are a great addition to recipes or as a healthy fresh snack by the handful. Raspberries are rich in vitamin C, provide a good source of fiber and are highin ellagic acid, which has become known as a potent anti-carcinogen/anti mutagenic compound. Their tastiness is celebrated every year on August 1: National Raspberry Cream Pie Day! Click here for some great Raspberry recipes

Care and Handling

Availability - Green Giant® Fresh Raspberries are available year round.

Selection - For the best selection of Raspberries, choose berries that are as fragrant and fully ripe as possible and have a uniform color throughout. Select those which are shiny and have flesh that is firm and plump. Attached leaves and stems or hulls should be fresh and green. Stains on the container indicate overripe fruit, which is losing its juice. Berries should not be squeezed--too much handling causes bruising.

Storage - Refrigerate raspberries (32°F - 40°F) in loosely covered containers, being sure to protect them from sun and heat. Refrigerated raspberries generally keep for two to three days.

Preparation - Don't wash the berries until they are ready to be used, as washing in advance enhances decomposition. Remove from container and sort, removing any overripe or moldy berries.

Cooking - Raspberries are quite versatile and can be cooked into jams, sauces, jellies and compotes. Additionally, they make excellent additions to breads, batters, fillings, and toppings.

Freezing - Freezing is recommended for long-term storage. Spread raspberries in a single layer across a cookie sheet. Place in freezer until fruit is frozen solid. Transfer raspberries from cookie sheet to an airtight container leaving one-inch of head space. Frozen raspberries should be used within three months.