European Red Raspberry
Rubus idaeus

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A small cane-like shrub. It grows 1.5-2 m tall. The branches are red or brown. They have a few prickles. The leaves are often divided into 5-7 leaflets. The flowers are white. They can be in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches. The fruit are red or orange and half round. They are 1-1.4 cm across. There are many named varieties.

There are about 250 Rubus species.

Where it is found

It is a cold temperate climate plant. It needs deep well drained soil. The soil should be rich in humus. It needs shelter from wind and can grow in part shade. A mild summer and cool to cold winter is best. It needs about 600 hours of cold below 7°C each year. It will grow in high mountains in Java. It will grow as far as 70°N in Scandinavia. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Alaska, Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Balkans, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Caucasus, Central Asia, China, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Estonia, Europe, Falklands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mediterranean, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Netherlands, North Africa, North America, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Serbia, Siberia, Sicily, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine, USA, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, West Indies, Yugoslavia

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. They are also used in jams, drinks and for sweets. Young leaves can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Dried leaves are used as a substitute for tea.

About 300,000 tons are produced each year. It is sold in local markets. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, twigs, leaves - drink

How it is grown

Rooted cuttings are used. Soft wood cuttings can be used. Fruit are usually produced on one year old canes. After harvesting the fruit bearing canes are cut at ground level and removed.

Its other names

Local names

Ahududu, Avenes, Avietes, Bringebaer, Dum, Framboesa, Framboise, Frambuesa, Fu pen zi, Gerdera, Himbeere, Lampone, Malina, Maline, Malna, Manafa, Mjedra, More, Moreni, Ompoure, Njetra, Vaarikas, Vabarn, Vagoi, Vavoi, Vavarno, Yezo ichigo, Zholi, Zholo, Zmeur

Synonyms

Rubus buschii (Rozanova) Grossh.; Rubus idaeus var. vulgatus Arrh.;