Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: August 7th, 2022. Today is raspberries and Cream Day. I don’t know about you but Charlie and I plan on sitting this holiday out as we don’t care for Raspberries. Before you ask me what about David knowing him he most likely likes Raspberries. But he is at work so I can’t ask him.
- Raspberries are rich in Vitamin C and produce more Fiber per calorie than any common Fruit including Prunes.
- Did you know there are over 200 species of Raspberries.
- Raspberries, as well as Strawberries, belong to the Rose family.
- Raspberries can be four different colors, although red and black are the most common. Raspberries can also be yellow or purple.
- Don’t wash Raspberries until they are ready to be used
National Raspberries N’ Cream Day is observed on August 7th annually in the United States. Raspberry Season is at its peak around this time in the Northern hemisphere, which is why you can’t afford to miss out on celebrating this holiday. You will find Raspberries at the Grocery Store, on the streets in Food Booths at events.
Prepare to eat Raspberries in whatever form you like. One tradition that goes as far back as some of the first agricultural communities is eating Raspberries with Cream..
HISTORY OF NATIONAL RASPBERRIES N’ CREAM DAY
Red Raspberries, which have existed throughout Europe for Centuries, are believed to have originated from Turkey and spread throughout Mediterranean Europe. Fourth-Century writings of the Roman agriculturist, Palladius, contained records of the domestication of Raspberries. Following the discovery of Raspberry Seeds at the Roman Forts in Britain, it’s believed that the Romans spread their cultivation throughout Europe.
Wild Berries were considered medicinal and decorative in Medieval Europe. The juice served as paint in art and ink for manuscripts. During this period, only the rich could savor their tasty bounty. King Edward I (1272 to 1307) was the first person to call for the cultivation of Raspberries. By the 17th Century, British gardens had a rich yield of Raspberries and Berry bushes. One Century later, in Europe, Berry cultivation practices had spread.
By the time Europeans arrived in America, Native Americans were already utilizing and eating Berries. Native Americans were nomads; thus, they dried Berries to preserve and transport them easily. Europeans also brought Raspberries that were native to Europe with them to the new Colonies. In 1771, William Price sold the first commercial nursery plants. George Washington moved to Mount Vernon, where he began to cultivate Berries in his extensive gardens in 1761. By 1867, over 40 different varieties of Raspberries became known. After the Civil War, major production areas emerged in the regions of New York, Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. Approximately 2,000 acres were in cultivation by 1880.
NATIONAL RASPBERRIES N’ CREAM DAY ACTIVITIES
- Today is the day to try out new Raspberry recipes. There are many ways to enjoy Raspberries including baked or iced.
- Although there are numerous ways of eating Raspberries, one of the most enjoyable is eating Raspberries fresh off the shrub.
- You can decide to go to a restaurant to have lunch or dinner with friends and order a Raspberry dessert.
5 FACTS ABOUT RASPBERRIES
- Raspberries and Strawberries are members of the same family the Rose family.
- There are over 200 species of Raspberries.
- Raspberries can be four different colors; however, red and black are the most common.
- Raspberries contain Vitamin C and produce more fiber per calorie than other common Fruits.
- Ensure you do not wash Raspberries until they’re ready to be used.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL RASPBERRIES N’ CREAM DAY
- Raspberries are delicious and you can eat them in almost any form fresh, iced, baked, with cream, or the principal ingredient of a Cake, or with Chocolate. Raspberries are also yummy, hence their popularity.
- Raspberries are healthy and they are proven to lower blood pressure and provide potassium for normal heart functioning. Raspberries also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help prevent stroke and heart disease.
- Raspberries contain minerals, manganese, a mineral necessary for healthy bones and skin and blood sugar regulation.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
