Today’s food spotlight is aimed at Raspberries and Cream.

Raspberries and cream is a simple treat that combines fresh, ripe berries with sweetened, hand-whipped cream. It’s a good option for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Raspberries are the fruit of several shrubs in the rose family. They are usually red but can also be black or yellow. When ripe, they separate from the receptacle and are rounder and smaller than blackberries. The name “raspberry” may have come from “raspise”, which means “a sweet rose-colored wine”. The name may also be related to the Old English word “rasp”, which means “rough berry”.

History

Raspberries are thought to have originated in Asia and arrived in North America via prehistoric people. The first records of domestication come from the writings of the Roman agricultural writer Palladius in the 5th century. The first people known to have cultivated raspberries were the ancient Greeks, with the first recorded raspberry harvest from Mt. Ida in AD 45.

Raspberries are indigenous to Asia Minor and were reportedly gathered wild on the foothills of Mount Ida by the people of Troy (Troas, Turkey) in the 1st Century BC. Some have suggested that the Ide mountains in Turkey were the actual place of origin.

Raspberries are a good source of fiber and Vitamin C. The Chippewa and Omaha tribes had used the plants’ leaves to brew a tea that can treat diarrhea, menstrual cramping, ease contractions, and ease nausea. Indigenous people also used raspberries for many years for its effect in easing the childbirth process.

 

Here are some historical facts about raspberries and cream:

• Raspberry cream pie may have originated in England during the Victorian era in the 1880s.
• One of the first recipes for raspberry cream pie was published in a cookbook called “Tasty Dishes” by James Clarke, which was published in London.
• The domestication of raspberries was recorded by the Roman agriculturist Palladius in the 4th century.
• Raspberry seeds were discovered at Roman forts in Britain, so it’s believed that the Romans spread the cultivation of raspberries throughout Europe.
• In early Christian artwork, raspberries were used to symbolize kindness.
• The Roman writer Pliny mentioned the raspberry in his book Natural History, and noted that it was originally found on Mount Ida
• The earliest print mention of Raspberries and Cream Day in August dates from 1983 in Florida

 

According to Greek legend, raspberries were discovered while the Olympian gods were searching for berries on Mount Ida. The myth states that the nymph Ida, daughter of the King of Crete and nurse of Zeus, wanted to pick a white raspberry to calm his sorrow. While picking the raspberry, Ida pricked her finger on the thorn and started to bleed, turning the fruit a blood-red color. The Latin name for raspberries, Rubus idaeus, means “bramble bush (of) Ida”.

In Hellenistic Troy, raspberries were linked to fertility and young children. Raspberries are also seen as a symbol of kindness in Christian art.

 

Here are some interesting facts about raspberries:

• Raspberries are in the same botanical family as roses.
• Raspberries originally come from Turkey.
• There are over 200 species of raspberries.
• Red raspberries are the most widely known, and gold raspberries are the sweetest.
• Each raspberry fruit contains approximately 100-120 small seeds.
• One cup of raspberries supplies over half the daily value of Vitamin C
• Raspberries are also an excellent source of manganese, fiber, B-vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and potassium.
• A raspberry bush can yield several hundred berries a year.
• The core of the delicate fruit remains on the plant when picked.
• Raspberries are 86% water, 12% carbohydrates, and have about 1% each of protein and fat.
• Raspberries were once a symbol for kindness.
• The name “raspberry” may have been influenced by its appearance as having a rough surface, related to the Old English “rasp” or “rough berry.”

Raspberries are a good fruit for weight loss because they are low in calories and high in fiber. One cup of raspberries has only 64 calories and 8 grams of fiber. Raspberries are also made up of more than 85% water, which makes them a filling, low-calorie food. The high fiber content can help you feel full for longer periods, reducing the chance of overeating. Raspberries also contain essential nutrients including vitamins C, manganese, and vitamin K. Manganese helps burn fat by boosting your metabolism. Studies in mice and test tubes have shown that ketones, a compound in raspberries, could speed up the metabolism and increase the breakdown of fat.

Raspberries are also naturally sweet, which may help satisfy your sweet tooth.

Raspberries and cream can be made in a number of ways; as a cake, as a parfait, as a custard, a pie and any number of other formats based on creative recipes.

Here is a Raspberry and Cream Recipe for you to Try:

Ingredients:

• 1-pint raspberries
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup pistachios, crushed

 

Instructions:

1. Place a large bowl in the freezer to chill for a few minutes.
2. Place the raspberries in a small bowl; sprinkle them with the granulated sugar and stir to combine. Let the berries sit while making the whipped cream.
3. Combine the whipped cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in the chilled bowl. With a large whisk, whip the cream by moving the whisk back and forth quickly (try not to whisk in a circular motion). Whip to your desired thickness. (Tip: Place the bowl in the sink to whip the cream so that it is a bit lower than a table, which makes the whisking motion easier.)
4. To serve, layer the raspberries, cream and pistachios in small glasses or bowls.

 

 

National Raspberries and Cream Day is celebrated annually on August 7th in the United States. The day honors the classic combination of flavors that have been enjoyed for centuries, dating back to the 18th century when raspberries were first cultivated in Europe. The day is devoted to the combination of ripe, juicy raspberries and heavy, delicious cream. Raspberries and cream is a quick and easy dessert that is perfect for a hot summer day.

The raspberry season is at its peak around this time in the northern hemisphere. While raspberries can be enjoyed year-round thanks to modern farming techniques, National Raspberries and Cream Day is placed on August 7th during what is traditionally the height of the raspberry season.

 

We’d love to hear your favorite way to consume Raspberries and Cream.