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Raspberry

A raspberry is the edible aggregate fruit of several species in the genus Rubus, especially Rubus idaeus, in the rose family.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A raspberry is the edible aggregate fruit of several species in the genus Rubus, especially Rubus idaeus, in the rose family. Raspberries are grown in temperate regions for fresh consumption and processing into products such as jams, jellies, and desserts. The term also refers to the perennial bramble plants that produce the fruit.

Botanical classification

Raspberries belong to the genus Rubus in the family Rosaceae. The best-known cultivated species is Rubus idaeus, commonly called red raspberry.

Fruit structure

A raspberry is not a true berry in botanical terms. It is an aggregate fruit formed from many small drupelets, and the core typically remains on the plant when picked.

Plant growth and cultivation

Raspberry plants are perennial shrubs or brambles with canes that usually live for two seasons. They grow best in cool to moderate climates and are sensitive to poorly drained soil.

Uses and consumption

Raspberries are eaten fresh and are also used in jams, jellies, purées, juices, pastries, and some flavoured liqueurs. They are valued for their flavour and nutritional content.

Key facts

  • Raspberries are aggregate fruits made of many drupelets.
  • Red is the most common commercial colour, but yellow, black, and purple also exist.
  • Raspberry plants have perennial roots and crowns, with canes that fruit on two-year-old wood.
  • Raspberries are grown commercially in Canada, the United States, and northern Europe.
  • They are eaten fresh and processed into preserves and baked goods.
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Canadian context

Raspberries are an economically important crop in Canada and are widely grown and consumed in the country.

Frequently asked questions

Is a raspberry a true berry?
No. A raspberry is an aggregate fruit made of many drupelets, not a true berry.
What plant does a raspberry come from?
Raspberries come from bramble shrubs in the genus Rubus, especially Rubus idaeus.
What colours do raspberries come in?
Common raspberry colours include red, yellow, black, and purple.
How are raspberries commonly used?
They are eaten fresh and also processed into jams, jellies, desserts, juices, and pastries.
How do raspberries differ from blackberries?
When picked, raspberries separate from the receptacle, leaving a hollow core, while blackberries typically retain the core.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/raspberry
    Supports: General definition, genus Rubus, family Rosaceae, cultivation regions, uses
  2. Cornell University — http://www.hort.cornell.edu/4hplants/Fruits/Raspberry.html
    Supports: Fruit structure, colour types, bearing types, cultivation traits, difference from blackberry
  3. North Carolina State University — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rubus-idaeus/
    Supports: Rubus idaeus as red raspberry, perennial shrub, native range of European and American varieties
  4. University of Minnesota Extension — https://extension.umn.edu/gardening-minnesota/growing-raspberries-home-garden
    Supports: Perennial roots, biennial canes, main types, fruiting season
  5. New Mexico State University — https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_h/H320/index.html
    Supports: Aggregate fruit composed of drupelets, difference from blackberry core