Raspberry

Raspberries originated in Asia and Europe and grow wild in many parts of the United States. They are very popular for decorating and garnishing cakes, pastries, and tarts because of their uniform petite size and bright red color (although there are also black raspberries, which are not very common, as well as a hybrid golden raspberry). Raspberry sauce is used extensively in the pastry kitchen, and raspberries are also used in fruit salads, ice creams, and sorbets. Fresh raspberries, previously available only during the summer, are now obtainable year round due to imports from New Zealand and Chile. The prices, of course, are higher when the fruit is imported. Frozen raspberries may be used to make sauces and sorbets. Refrigerate raspberries in a single layer to extend their shelf life and prevent them from becoming moldy prematurely.