Organic Raspberry Malling Promise- Rubus idaeus

Rubus idaeus 'Malling Promise' is an old, early, non-perpetual, and very hardy variety (-20°C (-4°F)). The fruits are large, red, and fragrant. The harvest begins from mid-June and ends around mid-July. The raspberries are slightly pointed, about 2cm (1in) in diameter, and can weigh 10 grams. It is tolerant to mosaic viruses and is relatively resistant to drought. It likes deep, acidic soil that is rich in humus. It prefers a sunny to partially shaded location. It is a self-fertile variety that pollinates itself, but associating it with other raspberry varieties will increase production. This plant is organically grown.

Rubus idaeus belongs to the extensive Rosaceae family, like strawberries, brambles, and wild roses. It is native to temperate Europe and Asia (from Turkey to China and Japan) and has been cultivated since the Middle Ages. In its native habitat, it grows in the undergrowth with rowan trees, elderberry, and beech, with which it forms a symbiotic association. Optimal production starts from the third year after planting. The lifespan of the raspberry bush is about ten years. Two categories of raspberry bushes are distinguished: perpetual varieties, which provide production from July-August until frost, and non-perpetual varieties with abundant harvesting around June-July.

'Malling Promise' was obtained in 1966 at East Malling Research, a research station located in the county of Kent, England. It forms a bushy shrub, reaching a height of 1.5m (5ft) with a similar width. Its deciduous foliage is carried by upright stems, developing as a moderately suckering perennial stump. The canes are biennial, each one dying after fruiting. Every year, suckers emerge from its roots, forming new canes armed with small prickles that are not very sharp. Its leaves are green on the upper side, whitish-green and tomentose on the underside. In April-May, it bears white flowers, 1 to 2cm (1in) in diameter. They are grouped in a small bouquet of 10 to 12.  The flowering is honey-rich. The fruits are formed by small agglutinated drupes, which are easy to detach when ripe.

'Malling Promise' is an early variety that produces an abundance of raspberries over a short period, which offers the advantage of a grouped harvest. The raspberries must be carefully picked. You can lightly wash them with water and they will keep better in the refrigerator. Eat the fruit freshly picked or turn them into sorbets, coulis, jams, crumble, puddings, and tarts. They are low in calories, but are rich in minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron), vitamin C and K, fibre and antioxidants.

Plant 'Malling Promise' alongside other varieties of small fruits. To extend the harvesting period and increase the diversity of colour and taste of raspberries, plant perpetual varieties nearby, such as the 'Zeva' Organic and 'Heritage' Organic, or varieties with colourful fruit, such as 'Golden Everest' Organic and 'Fall Gold'.