On July 31st, we celebrated National Raspberry Cake Day a delightful celebration! It’s the perfect occasion to indulge in the sweet and tangy flavours of raspberries in cake form. Whether you’re baking a fresh raspberry cake yourself or enjoying a slice from your favourite bakery, it’s a great way to savour the deliciousness of summer raspberries. Do you have any special plans for celebrating this tasty day?
The raspberry has been eaten since the early ages. From the Paleolithic age, we plucked them off bushes to eat until the 4th century B.C. when people began to cultivate raspberries. The tase and their sweetness were a valued taste, and they were also used in everything from herbal teas to medicinal sachets.
Also, Medieval Europe used these wild berries in many ways; where they added them to medicines and used them as pigments in paintings and manuscripts. At the same time, the only people who could afford these berries were the upper class. By the 17th century, however, these berries were grown all over British gardens, and the cultivation of raspberries gradually spread around Europe.
After European settlers travelled to America, they discovered that the Native Americans had already been eating this fruit for a long time. The cultivated version was introduced to America. By the time the world entered the 19th century, raspberries were being produced in many major states across America, and by 1880, approximately 2,000 acres of land was used to cultivate this berry.
These berries have been linked to multiple myths. Raspberries used to be white until a nymph named Ida pricked her finger while she was picking berries for a crying infant. Her blood dripped on them, turning them red.
Another myth, this time from Germany, claims a raspberry twig was tied onto a ‘bewitched’ horse’s body to calm it down. Yet another myth attributes the fox’s red coat to eating too many raspberries.
| 4th Century (First Writings on Raspberry Cultivation) | Roman agriculturist, Palladius, writes about raspberry cultivation — one of the earliest records of this berry’s cultivation. |
| 5th–15th Century (Multipurpose Berries) | Medieval Europe uses the raspberry for medicine and in paintings; only the rich can afford to eat them at this time. |
| 18th Century (Berry Cultivation Spread throughout Europe) | After many British gardens grow berry bushes and plants, the cultivation of this fruit spread around Europe. |
| 1771 (First Commercial Plants in the U.S.) | William Price sells the first batch of cultivated raspberry plants in New York. |
| 2019 (The World Loves Raspberries) | The world produces 822,493 tonnes of raspberries — Russia contributes to 21% of this total, followed by Mexico and Serbia. |
5 FUN FACTS ABOUT RASPBERRIES
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Many fruits in one- Raspberries are made of little droplets or units, and each can be considered a separate fruit.
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They are colourful- Raspberries come in red, purple, gold, or black — the golden ones are the sweetest.
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Don’t blow a raspberry- The flapping noise you make with your lips is also called ‘blowing a raspberry’ — this term might have originated from the Cockney dialect of England.
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The name might be French- An old French word ‘raspise,’ meaning ‘sweet rose-coloured wine,’ seems to have inspired the raspberry’s name.
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Raspberries are crossed with many fruits- Raspberries and blackberries are crossed to create the loganberry — a cross between red raspberries, blackberries, and loganberries create boysenberries.
FAQs
When is National Raspberry Cake Day?
We celebrate National Raspberry Day on July 31st.
Why is National Raspberry Cake Day celebrated?
It’s a day to recognize and enjoy the delightful flavour of raspberries that bring a sweet and slightly tart taste to cakes, making them a favourite dessert for many.
Are raspberries beneficial for weight management?
Yes, raspberries are low in calories but high in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied.
What are the health benefits of raspberries?
Raspberries are packed with nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
What nutrients are found in raspberries?
Raspberries are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, and several B vitamins. Also, they contain minerals like potassium, manganese, and magnesium.
Also, read more about National Jump for Jelly Beans Day – July 31, 2024
