Raspberries offer numerous health benefits due to their reddish, compact appearance and sweet and sour flavour.

Many people love the velvety texture and juiciness of raspberries, which not only slow down ageing and prevent cancer but also protect the eyes and relieve inflammation.

These berries are found in desserts or jams and can be purchased fresh and savoured at home.

With their rich flavour and sweet-sour juiciness, Raspberries are native to Europe and northern Asia. They thrive in temperate environments, with red being the most common variety, though black, purple, and golden types exist.

Harvested between June and October, raspberries are often immediately frozen or processed into jams due to their short freshness period of about two to three days.

These berries are packed with dietary fibre, a predominantly soluble fibre that helps lower blood cholesterol.

Additionally, they provide ample calcium, a significant amount of vitamin C, and folic acid, which aids in blood production.

Research indicates that freezing raspberries preserves their nutritional value, ensuring that vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients remain comparable to fresh fruits.

Raspberries contain natural antioxidants, particularly polyphenols like anthocyanins, quercetin, and ellagic acid. These antioxidants contribute to the berries' vibrant colour, possess anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, and have skin-brightening effects.

The diverse nutrition and potent antioxidants found in raspberries are believed to offer various health benefits, such as relief from arthritis symptoms, eye protection, and blood sugar regulation.

Some studies suggest that raspberries may help reduce pain and inflammation in arthritis patients and improve vision while protecting against age-related macular degeneration.

Raspberries can also aid blood sugar control due to their dietary fibre content, with potential benefits for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.

Additionally, frozen raspberries, a common market find, should be stored in the freezer. Consuming them immediately or slightly defrost before serving is advisable to prevent sogginess.

Fresh raspberries, occasionally available in stores, should be consumed promptly to avoid moulding or rotting. Care should be taken to check for small thorns, especially when serving them to children or older people.

Moreover, raspberries are versatile and can be enjoyed with meat.

While dried raspberries, jam, or frozen varieties may lack the freshness of newly harvested fruit, they still offer different nutrition, texture, and flavour.

Given their frequent use in cakes and pastries, here are some simple recipes to try:

1. Make a refreshing yoghurt or fruit drink with raspberries.

2. Enhance soaked oatmeal with raspberries and sprinkle almonds on top.

3. Use raspberries or jam to marinate meat for added flavour.

4. Add raspberry jam and mild grapeseed oil to chicken breasts or lettuce salads.

5. Dip browned meat in raspberry jam to counteract greasiness.