ABSTRACT
Description: Rubus idaeus is a shrub approximately 1 to 2 m (3 to 5 ft) high; it grows wild in the underwoods or is cultivated in Europe, Asia and North America. The plant has short, stoloniferous rhizomes, erect stems, alternate branches, alternate leaves, white ˆowers and pendulous fruits that are red when ripe (August). The cultivated variety ripens a few months earlier. Raspberry has a sweet-sour ˆavor. Fermentation of the fresh juice yields raspberry wine. Usually synthetic ˆavors are added to the concentrated juices to improve yields. The berries are the parts most used, although the dried leaves are sometimes used in herbal tea.
