Research Results Show Raspberries Rank High with Consumers
Consumers say raspberries are a favorite fruit, in fact an impressive number two, second only to strawberries. Fruits including bananas, apples, blueberries and watermelon all trail behind the tart-sweet Rubus Idaeus (red raspberry). CLICK HERE for the complete article.
A recent national survey of 1500 consumers had the respondents rank 13 fruits in order of preference. Raspberries came in second, just behind strawberries. Consumers reported that they like the unique sweet-tart taste of raspberries – more distinctive than strawberries or blueberries and sweeter than cranberries.
When asked which fresh or frozen berries, berry juice or juice blends they had purchased in the last year, the respondents again put strawberries first, with cranberries and raspberries a very close second and third.
Frozen Berries and Products
Almost 9 in 10 consumers reported trying raspberry products including frozen raspberries, juices and juice blends. Six in 10 felt frozen raspberries were cheaper than fresh and 91% reported no concerns about buying frozen raspberries.
More good news from the consumer survey is that respondents are familiar with the many forms of raspberries in addition to fresh. They respond to the convenience, consistent quality and price/value of individually quick frozen raspberries. “We’re glad to hear that consumers like the convenience of the IQF raspberries,” says Adam Enfield, chairman of the Washington Red Rasbperry Commission, a grower and processor of the IQF fruit. “For our frozen berries we harvest only the very best fruit right at its peak of perfection. This means the shopper gets great quality and consistency, any time of the year.”
Food product manufacturers recognize the value of raspberry on the label both to attract consumers, and as a part of the product formulation, because the berries add flavor and color. Washington’s berries go into jams and preserves, pies, desserts and dessert toppings, yogurt and yogurt beverages, juices and juice concentrates and more.
Usage
When asked how they used raspberries, consumers responded that smoothies were far and away the most popular usage, followed by desserts, topping for cereals, in yogurts and in baked goods and desserts.
Health Benefits
When asked to rank berries by their health benefits, raspberries came in third, behind blueberries and cranberries – no surprise since the nutrition benefits of those two berries have been bolstered by significant nutrition research and years of consumer promotion.
Raspberries provide important health benefits. Raspberries rank in the top 5 antioxidant-high fruits. Antioxidants are believed to help prevent
and repair oxidative stress, a process that damages cells within the body and has been linked to the development of cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and
Parkinson's disease. Raspberries are also high in ellagic acid, which may slow the
growth of certain cancer cells. Other raspberry benefits: One serving of raspberries has only 70 calories but provides 50% of a day’s requirement for vitamin C, 32% of fiber, 6% of folate, 6% of magnesium, 5% of potassium and 4% each of calcium, niacin, B6, phosphorus and zinc . That 1 cup serving has only 1 gram of fat, no saturated or transfats, no cholesterol and no sodium.
Research projects at key universities, including Tufts University, the University of Toronto and the University of Montpellier, France, are underway to determine more about the health benefits of red raspberries.
Raspberries Away From Home
Raspberries are popular in restaurants as well. In another study, this one of the menus of the top 200 restaurant chains and the top 100 independent white tablecloth restaurants, raspberries frequently appeared in beverages - especially smoothies, iced tea and lemonade, as well as in salad dressings, and in desserts or dessert toppings.