Raspberries

Information brought to you by the
Washington Red Raspberry Commission

The Taste You Love, The Nutrition You Want

Folks love tart-sweet, ruby-red raspberries. A recent survey of 1,500 people showed raspberries as consumers’ second favorite fruit, just behind strawberries. Consumers also reported they enjoyed the convenience and quality of individually quick frozen raspberries (IQF). Washington State grows 60% of the country’s berries and 95% of them are frozen or go into juice concentrate or puree for many other products.

A 1 cup serving of raspberries has only 70 calories, 50% of a day’s requirement for vitamin C, 32% of fiber, 6% of folate, 6% of magnesium,5% of Potassium, 4% each of Calcium, Niacin, B6, Phosphorus and Zinc, with only 1 gram of fat, no saturated or transfats, no cholesterol and no sodium.

Frozen Raspberry Custard Raspberries rank in the top 5 antioxidant-high fruits. Antioxidants are believed to help prevent and repair oxidative stress, a process that has been linked to the development of cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. The berries also provide important anti-inflammatories, including anthocyanins (the pigments in red, purple and blue fruits), which may help reduce cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and improve eyesight and memory.

There’s more - raspberries are a leading source of ellagic acid, which may slow the growth of some cancer cells. Recent research has shown that the ellagic acid in raspberries is highly bio-available (absorbed by the body).

Raspberries’ many health benefits come from the whole fruit, including the seeds, making them a better source of nutrients than pills or supplements. Plus it’s much more pleasurable to enjoy raspberries in smoothies, salads, desserts and baked goods. You’ll find lots of great recipes and more at www.raspberryinfo.com.