Time of Season
A raspberry patch will yield its sweet treat about the same time each year, although there can be fluctuations due to weather conditions. Harvest time also varies depending on the type and variety that is grown.
Summer-bearing Raspberries
Summer-bearing raspberry season lasts for about one month. In the United States, picking season typically peaks in June in the South and in July in the North. This type of raspberry will not produce fruit until the second year.
Everbearing Raspberries
Everbearing (fall-bearing) raspberries will produce a small crop in the fall of its first year. A much larger crop will be ready for picking around August the following year. This type of raspberry typically produces fruit until frost.
Ripe Raspberry Appearance
The calendar may indicate harvest time, but the true test is the appearance of the raspberry. Red, yellow, purple, and black raspberries all display the same characteristics when ready for picking. Some characteristics of ripe raspberries to look for are:
- Dark, brightly-colored fruit
- Consistently colored fruit
- Plump, soft but firm fruit
- Fruit easily pulls free from plant
Taste and Texture of Ripe Raspberries
A perfectly ripe raspberry is juicy, sweet, and tart. The taste will slightly vary depending on the variety that is grown.
Picking Raspberries
Second to eating raspberries, picking this delicious fruit is the best part of growing them. Knowing how to properly pick this delicate fruit will yield more edible fruit. Here are some guidelines to follow when picking raspberries:
- Use a pair of lightweight gloves to protect hands from prickly stems.
- Pick only fruit that is juicy, deep-colored, plump, and soft but firm.
- Pick only fruit that can be easily pulled from the vines.
- Search for hidden raspberries.
- Hold stem with one hand and pick raspberries with the other hand.
- Hold in hand no more than three to four raspberries at a time.
- Use a shallow container for holding raspberries.
- Stack berries no more than three deep.
- Avoid placing the raspberries in the sun or heat any longer than necessary.
- Place unwashed raspberries in the refrigerator as soon as possible.
Storing Raspberries
Get the most nutrition from raspberries by eating them very soon after picking them. In the refrigerator, they only last for a few days. Consider freezing, canning, or dehydrating them if you have an abundant harvest that can’t be consumed quickly.
