Raspberry facts Raspberries probably originated in Eastern Asia and it was not until the 17th Century that the fruit became popular. By the 18th Century cookery writers were devising recipes using the fruit for raspberry wine and vinegar, sweets and jams.
Scotland is famous for its raspberry growing and in the late fifties raspberries were taken from Scotland to Covent Garden on a steam train known as the Raspberry Special.
Growing Raspberries are commercially grown for two main markets, the fresh market or for processing. Raspberries were once regarded as a late summer crop but now growers are using varieties and innovative growing methods to extend the season to provide this popular fruit for consumers from June – October.
In the British winter, imported fruit comes from Spain, Morocco and USA.