In the Rhineland, fresh raspberries are being harvested again, says the Provinzialverband Rheinischer Obst- und Gemüsebauer (Bonn).
Currently, the first so-called summer raspberries are ripe, from August onwards, autumn raspberries will follow, which will continue to ripen until well into the fall.
Raspberries are very delicate fruits. For this reason, consumers should refrain from washing them. Long-term storage in your refrigerator should also be avoided at all costs. It is better to preserve the raspberries. The fruits can be frozen or made into jelly, jam, juice or a liqueur.
Photo: Sabine Weis/Provinzialverband Rheinischer Obst- und Gemüsebauer e.V.
Rhenish fruit growers also use special cultivation methods because the fruits are so sensitive. For example, wetting of the fruit with rain must be avoided, otherwise infestation with harmful fungi can hardly be prevented. Therefore, raspberries are mainly grown under so-called "rain canopy". A canopy protects the raspberry fruit from rain. However, since many animal pests also like to attack raspberries, many stands are now completely netted. This also protects against the cherry vinegar fly, an aggressive pest that originated in Asia and is now also spreading in Germany. The protective measures taken by fruit growers have significantly reduced the use of pesticides.
Consumers can look forward to delicious cakes and desserts with local raspberries in the coming months. But raspberries also taste excellent "sour." A homemade raspberry vinegar, for example, is a delight. To make it, simply put raspberries in a sealable jar and pour a good wine vinegar over them. After a few weeks, a delicious raspberry vinegar can be filtered off. This vinegar goes perfectly with lamb's lettuce, for example.
More information:
Provinzialverband Rheinischer Obst- und Gemüsebauer e.V.
Rochusstraße 18
53123 Bonn
Tel: 0228/52006700
Web: www.provinzialverband.de