Sú craobh
Latin name: Rubus idaeus
The raspberry is one of nature’s greatest fruits! It is bursting with flavour and full of vitamins. They help to keep our bodies healthy.
Raspberries grow naturally in Ireland. They like the cool, damp climate. There are many different types of red, black and purple raspberries. They all flower either in summer or autumn.
Have you ever visited a fruit farm where raspberries are grown?
The bush is has prickly, brambly stems. The raspberries weigh them down each year! Usually the raspberry bush grows along posts and wires. They can grow to about two metres high.
The raspberry bush will spread quickly when planted in a small garden.
In late spring to early summer, white-green flowers bloom. These flowers have lots of nectar for the honeybees and other insects.
Do you like raspberries?
Raspberries can be a really special treat. Put them over cereal, or have them with ice-cream for dessert. They also make fantastic jam.
Of course, there's no rule against eating them all on their own!