Raspberry History

Early History of Raspberries

According to research, the red raspberry or Rubus idaeus, is native of Asian Minor and North America. The first to note an appreciation for this fruit were the people of Troy, who used to gather them in the foothills of Mt. Ida, at the time of Jesus Christ.

Other literary records can be found in 4th century writings, by Palladius, who was an american agriculturist. Archaeologists have found seeds in Roman forts in Britain, so it is believed that the Romans are responsible for spreading raspberries throughout Europe.

Medieval History of Raspberries

By the Middle Ages, wild berries were widely known and used as a food, as well as for medicinal purposes. Their juices were sometimes used in art, for paintings for example.

King Edward I of England - He made raspberries famous and encouraged their cultivation throughout Great Britain

In these times, only the rich could afford raspberries!

King Edward I (1272 - 1307) is credited for encouraging cultivation of raspberries, which underwent a fast increase in popularity and availability.

American Conquest and Modern History

During the American conquest, settlers found several tribes of Native Americans already using and eating berries of all kinds. In particular, they used to dry berries to carry them in their nomadic travels.

Meanwhile, British gardens were blessed with plenty of berries and bushes, and by the 18th century cultivations were widespread in all the regions of Europe.

When settlers brought with them European seeds, several new species and hybrids were cultivated in America, and the first commercial nursery plants were already being sold in 1771, by William Price.

In 1761, even George Washington started cultivating berries in his Mount Vernon estate. By 1867 there were over 40 known varieties, and after the Civil War, commercial production was commenced on a large scale, especially in the regions of Oregon, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Washington, Indiana, Illinois.

Cultivation increased steadily from 1880, when there were approximately 2,000 acres, to 1919 (54,000 acres). Growth continued through 1948 when berry cultivations reached 60,000 acres.

Today, in the USA, most raspberries are produced in Washington (60% of the total USA production) with 70 million pounds/year. Other important regions are Oregon and California.