Raspberries Delivery or Pickup

Tart, juicy, and delicious—raspberries are a common fruit found in most households. But, how much do we know about raspberries apart from their delicious flavors and versatility in cooking?

Raspberries are the fruit of a plant in the rose family and come in many colors and varieties. These can include black, purple, and golden—but red, also known as Rubus Idaeus, is the most common. raspberries are most commonly grown in Europe, with popular growing locations in California, Oregon, and Washington within the United States. They are a seasonal fruit in most of the U.S., most often being harvested in the summer and early fall months. With a relatively short shelf life, they are best eaten fresh and within days of purchasing. There are thought to be over 200 different known species of raspberries, but there are only two main species that are grown on a large scale that we find in our grocery stores. With Instacart you can have fresh raspberries delivered to your door!

As raspberries have a short shelf life, it is important to choose your raspberries wisely. They often come in a clear container, and it can be difficult to see inside. If you can, open the box and look at the fruit inside. Be on the lookout for squished berries, leaking juices, and anything that is withered or crushed. You want to purchase berries that are firm, plump, dry, and consistent in their color.

When bringing them home, be sure to rinse generously to ensure you remove any contaminants that may shorten the shelf life further. Pat dry or wait for them to air dry before returning them to the container they came in. Avoid placing them in the coolest part of the fridge or crisper. The best place for raspberries is a place where you will see them, and remember to use them, given their short shelf life. 

In most areas, raspberries begin to bloom in late May to early June, making them the perfect summertime fruit. While they are most often utilized in sweet desserts, you can use them in savory dishes as well. Raspberries make a great addition to summer and spring salads, and a popular side dish at summer BBQs. The fruit can be harvested in early summer, all the way into the fall season, right before the first frost. 

Raspberries grow on bramble bushes, similar to blackberries. Bumblebees, honeybees, and other wild bees love to visit the bushes for the sweet allure of the raspberry juices. 

Throughout the years, raspberries have been cross-bred with other types of fruits to create new fruits. This includes the loganberry, a cross between raspberries and blackberries, as well as the boysenberry, a cross between red raspberries, blackberries, and loganberries.