When Are Raspberries in Season?
The answer depends on the type of raspberries. Summer-bearing raspberries are typically in season from June to July in the northern United States, while ever-bearing raspberries ripen in late June or July and continue bearing until first frost. In the southern United States, raspberries are in season from May to June.
Raspberry Season in Different Regions
North America
In North America, raspberries are typically in season from June to September. However, the exact season can vary depending on the state you live in.
Click here to see a table showing the raspberry season for each of the 50 states
| State | Raspberry Season |
|---|---|
| Alabama | June – July |
| Alaska | July – August |
| Arizona | May – June |
| Arkansas | May – June |
| California | May – July |
| Colorado | June – August |
| Connecticut | July – August |
| Delaware | June – August |
| Florida | December – April |
| Georgia | June – August |
| Hawaii | Year-round |
| Idaho | June – August |
| Illinois | July – August |
| Indiana | June – July |
| Iowa | June – July |
| Kansas | June – July |
| Kentucky | June – July |
| Louisiana | May – June |
| Maine | July – August |
| Maryland | June – August |
| Massachusetts | July – August |
| Michigan | July – August |
| Minnesota | July – August |
| Mississippi | May – June |
| Missouri | June – July |
| Montana | July – August |
| Nebraska | June – July |
| Nevada | June – July |
| New Hampshire | July – August |
| New Jersey | June – July |
| New Mexico | June – July |
| New York | July – August |
| North Carolina | June – July |
| North Dakota | July – August |
| Ohio | June – July |
| Oklahoma | June – July |
| Oregon | June – August |
| Pennsylvania | June – July |
| Rhode Island | July – August |
| South Carolina | June – July |
| South Dakota | July – August |
| Tennessee | June – July |
| Texas | May – June |
| Utah | July – August |
| Vermont | July – August |
| Virginia | June – July |
| Washington | June – August |
| West Virginia | June – July |
| Wisconsin | July – August |
| Wyoming | July – August |
South America
In South America, raspberries are typically in season from December to March.
Europe
In Europe, raspberries are typically in season from June to September.
Asia
In Asia, raspberries are typically in season from May to August.
Australia
In Australia, raspberries are typically in season from November to March.
Factors Influencing Raspberry Season
The exact dates of raspberry-picking season can vary depending on several factors. Here are some of the factors that influence raspberry seasonality:
- Climate: Raspberry plants prefer cooler temperatures, and they require a certain amount of cold weather to produce fruit. In general, raspberries grow best in regions with mild summers and cold winters.
- Variety: There are two main types of raspberry plants – summer-bearing and ever-bearing. Summer-bearing plants produce fruit in midsummer, while ever-bearing plants produce fruit from summer into fall. The exact dates of raspberry season will depend on the variety of raspberry plant you have.
- Location: The exact dates of raspberry season can vary depending on your location. In general, raspberries grow best in regions with mild summers and cold winters. However, some varieties of raspberry plants can also grow in warmer climates.
- Weather: Weather conditions can also affect raspberry seasonality. Heavy rain or extreme heat can damage raspberry plants and reduce the quality of the fruit. On the other hand, mild temperatures and adequate rainfall can help raspberry plants thrive.
In general, raspberry season in the United States runs from June through August, with some variation depending on location and variety.
Types of Raspberries and Their Seasons
Summer-Bearing Raspberries
Summer-bearing raspberries, also known as June-bearing raspberries, are the most common type of raspberry. They typically produce one crop per season, in midsummer (usually June or July), on last year’s growth. After the fruit is harvested, the canes that produced it die back, and new canes emerge the following spring.
Summer-bearing raspberries are available in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, and black. They are known for their sweet, juicy flavor and are often used for making jams, jellies, and baked goods. Some popular varieties of summer-bearing raspberries include:
- Heritage: A red raspberry with a sweet, tangy flavor and firm texture. Harvested in late June to early July.
- Tulameen: A large, firm, and juicy raspberry with a bright red color and sweet flavor. Harvested in late June to early July.
- Bristol: A black raspberry with a sweet, rich flavor and tender texture. Harvested in early to mid-July.
Ever-Bearing Raspberries
Ever-bearing raspberries, also known as fall-bearing or autumn-bearing raspberries, produce fruit on both last year’s growth and new growth. This means they can produce two crops per season, one in midsummer and another in the fall. The first crop is typically smaller than the second, but both are delicious and worth harvesting.
Ever-bearing raspberries are available in a variety of colors, but red is the most common. They are known for their sweet, juicy flavor and are often used for fresh eating or freezing. Some popular varieties of ever-bearing raspberries include:
- Caroline: A large, firm, and sweet raspberry with a bright red color. The first crop is harvested in midsummer, and the second crop in the fall.
- Anne: A golden yellow raspberry with a sweet, delicate flavor. The first crop is harvested in midsummer, and the second crop in the fall.
- Polana: A red raspberry with a sweet, tangy flavor and firm texture. The first crop is harvested in midsummer, and the second crop in the fall.
Raspberries Nutrition Table
Raspberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Here’s a nutrition table to help you understand the nutritional value of raspberries:
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 cup (123g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 64 |
| Carbohydrates | 14.7g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Protein | 1.5g |
| Fat | 0.8g |
| Vitamin C | 54% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) |
| Manganese | 41% of the RDI |
| Vitamin K | 12% of the RDI |
| Vitamin E | 6% of the RDI |
| Potassium | 5% of the RDI |
| Magnesium | 7% of the RDI |
Source: USDA.
As you can see from the table, raspberries are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which is important for immune system health, and manganese, which is essential for bone health.
In addition, raspberries are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body against damage from free radicals. They also contain ellagic acid, a compound that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
Optimal Time to Harvest Raspberries
Raspberries are a delicious fruit that can be enjoyed fresh or used in a variety of recipes. But when is the best time to harvest raspberries? The answer depends on the type of raspberry and your location.
Summer-Bearing Raspberries
Summer-bearing raspberries typically produce fruit in late June or early July and continue to bear fruit for 3-4 weeks. The best time to harvest these raspberries is when they are fully ripe, which is indicated by their bright color and easy separation from the plant. Ripe raspberries will also be slightly soft to the touch.
It’s important to harvest summer-bearing raspberries regularly, at least every other day, to ensure that the fruit does not become overripe or attract pests. Overripe raspberries will be dull in color and may fall off the plant easily.
Fall-Bearing Raspberries
Fall-bearing raspberries, also known as everbearing raspberries, produce fruit in late summer and early fall. These raspberries typically have two harvest periods: one in late summer and one in late fall.
The first harvest period for fall-bearing raspberries is in August or early September. The best time to harvest these raspberries is when they are firm and brightly colored. Ripe raspberries will also be slightly soft to the touch.
The second harvest period for fall-bearing raspberries is in late October or early November. The best time to harvest these raspberries is before the first frost, which can damage the fruit. It’s important to harvest fall-bearing raspberries regularly, at least every other day, to ensure that the fruit does not become overripe or attract pests.
Conclusion
Harvesting raspberries at the optimal time will ensure that you get the best flavor and texture from your fruit. Remember to harvest regularly, at least every other day, and to only pick ripe raspberries that are brightly colored and slightly soft to the touch.
Preserving Raspberries for Off-Season Use
Raspberries are a delicious summer fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways. You can eat them fresh, bake them into pies, or make jam. However, the raspberry season is relatively short, and you may want to preserve them for off-season use. Here are some ways to preserve raspberries for later use:
Freezing Raspberries
Freezing raspberries is an excellent way to preserve them for later use. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash the raspberries gently and remove any stems or leaves.
- Spread the raspberries out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for two hours.
- Once the raspberries are frozen, transfer them to a labeled freezer bag.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bag and lay it flat in the freezer.
- Rinse the raspberries before using them.
Making Raspberry Jam
Raspberry jam is a great way to preserve raspberries for later use. Here’s how to make it:
- Wash the raspberries gently and remove any stems or leaves.
- Mash the raspberries with a potato masher or fork.
- Add sugar and lemon juice to the mashed raspberries and stir well.
- Cook the mixture over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Increase the heat and boil the mixture until it thickens.
- Pour the jam into sterilized jars and seal them tightly.
Dehydrating Raspberries
Dehydrating raspberries is another way to preserve them for later use. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash the raspberries gently and remove any stems or leaves.
- Spread the raspberries out on a dehydrator tray.
- Dry the raspberries in the dehydrator until they are completely dry.
- Store the dried raspberries in an airtight container.
Canning Raspberries
Canning raspberries is a great way to preserve them for later use. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash the raspberries gently and remove any stems or leaves.
- Pack the raspberries into sterilized jars.
- Add boiling water to the jars, leaving a half-inch headspace.
- Remove any air bubbles and wipe the rims of the jars.
- Place the lids and bands on the jars and tighten them.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for the recommended time.
Preserving raspberries is a great way to enjoy them all year round. Whether you freeze them, make jam, dehydrate them, or can them, you can enjoy the delicious taste of raspberries even when they’re not in season.
Impact of Climate Change on Raspberry Season
Raspberries are a popular fruit enjoyed by many during the summer months. However, climate change has had a significant impact on the raspberry season, causing changes in the timing and duration of the season.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, climate change has altered the timing of events like spring snowmelt, creating longer growing seasons while reducing the length of time that lakes stay frozen. These changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can impact the timing and duration of the raspberry season.
In the United States, raspberries grow throughout the country, but the timing of the raspberry season varies based on location. In the southern United States, summer-bearing raspberries generally ripen in June, while ever-bearing raspberries ripen in late June or July and continue to produce fruit until the first frost.
However, with climate change, the raspberry season may be shifting. Warmer temperatures in the spring can cause the raspberry plants to bloom earlier, which can result in a shorter season. Additionally, changes in precipitation patterns can impact the quality and quantity of raspberries produced.
Overall, the impact of climate change on the raspberry season is complex and can vary based on location and weather patterns. While raspberries may still be available during the summer months, changes in the timing and duration of the season may impact the availability and quality of raspberries in the future.