It is not fully clear where exactly raspberries originate from. Some say Turkey and Asia, whereas others say North America. Ecological Roman forts in Britain have showed remains of raspberry seeds. Hence the conclusion that the Romans spread Raspberries through Europe. King Edward I (1272-1307), was the first thought to have requested cultivation of these berries. Thus becoming a common plant in British gardens. By the 18th century it is thought that Raspberries then spread widely throughout Europe.
Raspberries were considered a luxury. In the middle ages the juice was used to make colours for paintings. Midwives recommend tea made from Rapsberry leaves, to help with contractions. Although I have never been pregnant myself, I have found the leaves taste like grass, It was drinkable, but not the expected raspberry flavour! Raspberries are believed to contain: Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and K, folate, Manganese, Magnesium, potassium, copper, calcium and iron. (Wow! Perhaps I should persevere with the tea after all!). Some believe that the antioxidants are 50% higher in raspberries than in strawberries. It is believed raspberries are good for Gout, Arthritis, age related cognitive and eye-sight decline. Raspberries can be used in Syrups, jellies,conserves, curds and so much more!
The rose plant originates in Central Asia. The cultivation and breeding of varietes developed around 5,000 years ago! Raspberries are also in the rose family as well as many other fruits. Although not native to England, Roses are the official flower of England. Giving different colours of roses signifies different things. Red is ofcourse for love, yellow friendship and white meaning new beginnings. Thus why it is so commonly used for weddings and times of grieving. However florists now say people purchase colourful flowers in times of loss to cheer people up. Green represents renewal and abundance, and pink or peach signify gratitude and admiration. Roses can be used in many ways such as in: aromatherapy, skincare, perfumery, decorations, floral arangements and crafts! Culinarily, they can be used for : beverages, teas,syrups, curds, jams desserts and salads.
You can also use rosehips for culinary purposes but i’ve not yet tried this. They sound a bit fiddly and only certain parts can be eaten. One part that can cause irritation is the hair inside and the stones. These are thought to irritate the throat and insides. Apparently, the french call them what translates to “butt scratchers!”. They do need to be cooked before eating, however, I don’t know too much about them other than the fact it is a bit risky,this is why I personally avoid them.
In Celtic and English folklore, it is believed that faeries would dance around rose plants and bushes and other flowers in celebratrion. It is thought the colour and smell of the flowers attracts them. During the Victorian era, there was a big surge in the popularity of books about the faeries. This lead to more people planting roses in their gardens to bring them the luck of the faeries! In Persian mythology, it was believed that the rose was created from tears from the Goddess Ishtar, the Godess of love. This lead to their representation of eternal life and renewal in the that folklore.
As a huge raspberry lover I think this is my favourite recipe yet! I really hope you like it too! Whilst it is technically off-season currently, I have bought the Raspberries this time. This makes an ideal Christmas hamper present for friends and family!
Requirements:
Blender
Sieve.
Scales.
Saucepan.
Metal Spoon.
Wooden Spoon.
Freshly sterilsed jars ( approx 2, I made 2 of different sizes with this recipe).
Ingredients:
250g washed Raspberries.
2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch/flour (plus some extra if needed).
300g unrefined sugar.
300ml oat milk.
1 and a half tablespoons of dried rose petals (organic).
Recipe:
Blend the raspberries and rosepetals until it become the consitency of a smoothie.
De-seed the Raspberries, using a sieve by pushing down hard with the metal spoon into the saucepan (make sure the hob is switched off at this point). Keep pressing to get every last drop of Raspberry goodness!
Check the bottom of the sieve for any raspberry puree. It tends to hang on to the sieve and spoon. Scoop it all into the saucepan.
Add the rose petals the rest of the ingredients to the pan. Turn up the heat on the hob to a medium heat, until it becomes a curd-like consistency. When making this, I added the last 50g of raspberries after as it wasn’t raspberry-icious enough for me! If there isn’t a masher available, they can be crushed and mixed with the back of a fork.
Add the curd to the jars, et Voila! C’est fini mon caillé de framboise! So quick and easy! I loved this recipe so much I’d already eaten half of it the same night I made it!
Hope you like and enjoy your curd! :)
