Raspberry: star product of summer desserts

With today more than 400,000 tons produced per year in the world, of which only ¼ by Russia, the raspberry is one of the fruits among the most consumed in summer. Origin, virtues and desserts based on raspberry: be unbeatable on this summer fruit with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.

From wild berry to culture

Native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, raspberries have already been found growing wild in forests for thousands of years. The first mentions of the raspberry date back to ancient Greece, where it was considered a symbol of fertility. It was not until the 16th century that raspberries began to be cultivated in France. France is ranked 10th among world producers, and 6th in Europe with more than 5,000 tonnes produced per year, particularly in the Rhônes-Alpes, Aquitaine and Auvergne regions.

The virtues of raspberries

Raspberries are true nutritional treasures, full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants essential to our health. This fruit is distinguished by its exceptional vitamin C content. With approximately 26mg per 100 grams, this represents 30% of the daily intake of vitamin C recommended for an adult. This key vitamin helps strengthen the immune system and fight free radicals responsible for cell aging.

They also provide approximately 151mg of potassium per 100 grams, helping to maintain fluid balance and heart health. They contain magnesium, important for muscle and nerve function, as well as manganese, necessary for bone formation and enzyme production. Raspberries are also rich in antioxidants: these powerful plant compounds give raspberries their characteristic red color and have been linked to anti-inflammatory effects and a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

Finally, thanks to their dietary fiber content, raspberries promote good digestion. They provide approximately 6.5g of fiber per 100 grams, thus contributing to the regularity of intestinal transit and the prevention of constipation problems. Dietary fiber helps maintain a longer feeling of fullness, which is beneficial for weight management. As you will have understood, the raspberry is, in addition to a pleasure food, a healthy food from all points of view.

Essential raspberry recipes

Raspberries are an essential ingredient in baking, offering a multitude of possibilities to create delicious and refined desserts. Their sweet-tart taste and juicy texture make them the perfect accompaniment to many recipes.

Here is an overview of the most popular creations where raspberries are in the spotlight:

The raspberry pie

The raspberry tart is a great classic of French pastry. A crispy pastry filled with fresh raspberries and topped with a delicate raspberry jelly or coulis. This dessert is both elegant and tasty, offering a perfect marriage between the sweetness of raspberries and the richness of the dough.

The raspberry charlotte

Charlotte is a light and airy pastry, made up of spoon biscuits soaked in syrup and a raspberry-based mousse. This fresh and fruity dessert is a real treat for the taste buds, ideal for special occasions or hot summer days.

Raspberry macaroons

Filled with a raspberry ganache, these cookies, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, offer an explosion of fruity and sweet flavours.

Raspberry panna cotta

This creamy and delicate Italian dessert is ideal for showcasing the freshness of raspberries. A mixture of cream, sugar and gelatin is poured into verrines and left to set in the refrigerator. Once cooled, the panna cotta is accompanied by a raspberry coulis for an irresistible fruity touch.

Raspberry cheesecake

This iconic American dessert pairs perfectly with raspberries. A crispy base made from crumbled biscuits is topped with a creamy cheese cream and enhanced with fresh raspberries or a coulis.

Raspberry sorbet

Raspberry sorbet is a refreshing and fruity choice. Prepared from raspberry purée and sugar syrup, this sorbet is perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.

Raspberry dessert

Raspberry lends itself perfectly to making entremets with multiple layers, whether as an insert, in coulis or used fresh for decoration. Raspberries bring a tangy and fruity note to these elaborate desserts, mixing with cream, sponge cakes and various icings to create a unique taste experience.

Raspberry tiramisu

A traditional Italian dessert, tiramisu can be revisited with raspberries for a fruity and tangy version. Fresh or coulis raspberries are incorporated between layers of coffee-soaked biscuits and mascarpone cream, adding a note of freshness and lightness to this classic Italian cuisine.

These examples represent only a tiny part of the possibilities offered by raspberries in baking. Whether in a pie, mousse, cream, coulis or side dish, raspberries lend themselves to many gourmet combinations to amaze the taste buds and delight dessert lovers. Dare to combine raspberry with other flavors to surprise gourmets: basil, spices, chocolate, almond, rose, lemon, mint, the palette of flavors that go well with raspberry is endless. Take advantage of the summer season to test new raspberry-based recipes!