Experience Local Agriculture

Raspberries

Raspberries are an intensely flavored member of the berry family, that are composed of many connecting drupelets (individual sections of fruit, each with its own seed) surrounding a central core. There are three main varieties: black, golden and red.

In-Season: Mid June-October

How to select: Choose brightly colored, plump berries without a hull. If the hulls are attached, the berries were picked too early and will be tart. Select raspberries that are unblemished and dry, in an unstained container. Raspberries should be medium to bright red, depending on the variety.

How to store: Keep refrigerated for 2-3 days in a single layer in a moisture-proof container. Because berries have a short shelf life, an alternative is to buy them fresh and freeze them. Successful freezing requires the use of unwashed and completely dry berries to be placed in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once the berries are frozen, they can be transferred to plastic bags or freezer containers. Frozen berries should last approximately ten months to one year.

Raspberry Picking: Many berry farms in Connecticut allow consumers to pick the fruits themselves, which is a fun and tasty activity to do with friends or family. Below is a list of farms where you can enjoy picking your own fresh raspberries.

Emerald Green Farm and Gardens

Lyman Orchards

Bishop’s Orchard