There is nothing like eating berries fresh from the bush.  They are sweet and tart – it will make your mouth water just thinking about it.  Home-grown berries taste so much better than store-bought.

 Raspberries are easy to grow.  In fact, they can take over a large area if they’re not contained.  When a branch touches the ground, it will grow roots.  They may also grow underground runners.

 Raspberries are healthy too.  They are very high in antioxidants.

 There are a few types.  We normally only see the red raspberries in the store but there are also black and purple raspberries. The purple variety is a hybrid cross of the red and black raspberries.   It’s likely that the dark varieties are less popular because they tend to have more seeds.  Red raspberries sometimes have a mutation that causes the berries to be a golden-yellow.  Raspberries are a relative of the rose.

 Aside from dealing with the thorns, another problem is protecting the berries from wildlife before you get to enjoy them.  They are loved by everything from bears to chipmunks and birds.  The plants need to be protected with some sort of netting to protect them from birds in the air and burrowing animals.

 They are a versatile food ingredient and make wonderful desserts and jams and as an addition to salads and main courses as well as just being a great snack.