Raspberries are both cultivated and grow in the wild. In their natural environment, they can be found in forests, thickets, in areas in which trees were fallen and on hill sides. Raspberry has special soil requirements; it prefers shady areas with little exposure to the sun. It is resistant to frost.
Raspberry is a fruiting shrub reaching up to 2 m in height. It has arching stems covered with many prickles and leaves. The flowers are white, small, and appear in pendants. The fruits are composed of small pink or red drupelets, which create an aggregate fruit. The torus of a ripe raspberry, in contrast to blackberry, does not pick with the fruit, which makes collection easier.
Raspberries are among the Poles’ favourite fruits – they have been eaten in Poland since the Middle Ages. The fruits are very aromatic and tasty. They are used both fresh and processed as juice, jam or sauces. They are also valued for their therapeutic properties. The fruits are diaphoretic and have strengthening properties, while the leaves have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Raspberries are rich in nectar.