Raspberries
Related to the rose family, this sweet berry thrives in moderate climates and the U.S. grows nearly 50 tons a year.
How to ripen
These ruby red gems are plucked from bushes when they're at their peak, so there's no need to wait before eating.
How to store
Fragile fruit like raspberries don't like to be crowded, so transfer to a larger container to store in the refrigerator.
Or, gently wash and dry the fruit and freeze on a cookie sheet before transferring to a sealed plastic bag for storage in the freezer.
How to prep
Gently place raspberries in a colander and wash under cool, running water.
A sprinkle of sugar will bring out the juicy sweetness of this tender fruit.
Capture the flavor of summer by mashing the berries and making an easy freezer jam.
Chef's tip
The star of many desserts, take raspberries in a savory direction by crushing a few and adding to vinaigrette or your favorite barbecue sauce.