You're most likely to think of a small bright red berry when you think of this delicious fruit, but Raspberries actually grow in many different colours, from the usual vibrant red to dark purple, golden yellow and even black!
Not only do the colour but the species of raspberries vary widely as well! There are several different raspberry varieties from varieties that are native to Europe, Australia or even the Himalayas to varieties that grow here in North America, a 'wine' raspberry variety that is commonly used to make raspberry wine to blue raspberries and more!
Different cultivars of the perennial thrive in a wide a range of hardiness zones, anywhere from a hardiness zone level of three all the way to nine! Certain species even need a bit of frost to grow properly! For example, some North American varieties require a cold season, a bit of frost and maybe even some snow, to go dormant and then re-awaken in the spring to grow and produce fruit when the weather warms up! Some species of raspberry even grow as far north as the arctic!
Raspberries are rich in vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. They might even improve the appearance of skin, raspberries contain a fair bit of vitamin C which might help reduce age spots and discoloration, they might also prevent or improve the appearance of wrinkles, and protect against harmful sun rays. You can even use raspberries directly on the face as a mask! Raspberries may also help boost the immune system and overall health, not to mention their high nutrient value which makes for healthy eating!
Raspberries have a long history and are thought to have existed since prehistoric times. Wild raspberries are believed to have originated in eastern Asia, but some species also originated in the western hemisphere.
Sometime during the early 900's King Boleslav I or Boleslav the Cruel as he was also known, ruled what is known today as the Czech Republic, and was purported to have loved the fruit. As raspberries grew (and still grow) prolifically in Bohemia. It's too bad this delightful and mellow fruit couldn't calm the king down some, as it is said he killed his own brother St. Wenceslas, so that he could take the throne!
If only Boleslav had some of our various raspberry tea blends, he might have been a little more calm.
We have a raspberry tea for every raspberry lover!
For those raspberry lovers who prefer non-caffeinated beverages we
have our Parisian Raspberry rooibos tea, blended with choice grade #1 rooibos and dried raspberries. Simple yet, full of flavour and relaxing. Find it here.
For those that prefer a bit more caffeine, or for those who just like black tea, we have our Razzle Raspberry flavoured black tea blended with Orange pekoe grade 'Ceylon' black tea, white tea, raspberry, mango and rosehip pieces and a few rose petals. Bold and fruity with gentle floral notes, this tea will delight and surprise. Find it here.
Lastly, for the green tea lovers out there we have our Rhapsody Raspberry green tea, blended with a high quality Sencha green tea, made to Japanese specifications, and dried raspberry pieces. Another simple option allows the bright freshness of the tea and the slightly tart sweetness of the raspberries to shine. Gentle and invigorating. Find it here.