Raspberry Rubus idaeus
At Vale Farm we grow a cultivated variety of Red Raspberry that fruits in July. Low in sugar and high in nutrients, raspberries are a Rose family plant native to Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. Raspberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C, Fiber, Potassium, and Manganese.
We enjoy the berries fresh by the handful in the summer and preserve some in jams and Shrubs. Shrubs are an old style of beverage, known as drinking vinegars, that preserved the fruit past harvest in times before refrigeration. The word Shrub comes from the Arabic language. Shrubs were also popular with US colonists in the 18th century. Our Raspberry Shrub is made with our freshly harvested raspberries steeped for at least one week in organic apple cider vinegar and our farms’ honey, and then strained. We also make and enjoy a similar drink called a Raspberry Oxymel. Oxymels are an old European medicine using the many medicinal qualities of vinegar and honey and combining them with fruits and herbs. A farm favorite combines Raspberries, Tulsi, and Rose in vinegar and honey for a delicious Oxymel.
Raspberry Shrub – a shrub is a type of drink that is preserved in vinegar
Raspberry – Like many fruits, raspberries are high in antioxidants.
Honey – Coats the throat to aid coughs and other inflammation. It is antibacterial and such used as a preservative and a sweetener. Studies show it has many positive effects on the body including cardiovascular support, neurological support, wound care, and aids the gastrointestinal tract.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Increases acidity in the gut to help aid nutrient absorption.
