Common raspberry, what you need to know about it

Common raspberry is a branched, thorny, perennial shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The height of the erect stem can reach 2 meters. The shoots in the first year are fluffy and green, and are covered with brown thorns at the base. In the second year they become wooden and already bear fruit. After fruiting, they dry out, and new annual shoots form from the root system.

Flowering period: June July, fruit ripening period: July August. Fruiting is greatly influenced by weather conditions. Therefore there is no stable harvest. Rain during flowering plays a bad role, as it prevents the flight of pollinating insects.

Two methods of reproduction: vegetative (cuttings and making) and seeds.

Common raspberry grows in the zone of mixed and coniferous forests. in clearings, in damp and shady places, along the rivers of the European part of Russia, Central Asia, Ukraine, Western Siberia.

Raspberry fruits have healing properties and are widely used in both traditional and folk medicine. They should be collected in good sunny weather, when the fruits are dry from dew. Before drying, it is better to dry for a day in the sun. To dry, they are laid out in a thin layer of 2 - 3 cm and dried in an oven at a temperature of 60 degrees. Useful substances are stored for 3 years.

Common raspberries are used not only for medicinal purposes, but is also a very tasty berry. Compotes, jams are made from it, frozen and dried.Frozen raspberries can be dipped in boiling water for a couple of minutes and they are ready to eat. Dried raspberries are good to add to tea. You can’t do without it during a cold, as it contains a lot of vitamin C and is a good antipyretic.