Raspberry Tulameen - Rubus idaeus

The Tulameen Raspberry is a hardy, robust and vigorous variety that produces abundant large, round, highly perfumed, ruby red fruits. This non-perpetual variety bears fruit in June-July over a short period for a grouped harvest. The sweet, sugary and slightly acidic fruits of Rubus idaeus Tulameen are extremely delicious when consumed fresh or used in jam, sorbet, juice, dried fruit, or pastry. It is a moderately sucker-producing variety with slightly prickly branches. Planting is recommended in autumn, or spring for regions with cold or humid winters.

The Raspberry, native to Europe and temperate Asia, belongs to the Rosaceae family, along with strawberries, blackberries, and wild roses. In its native habitat, it grows in cool, wooded areas with plants such as mountain ash, elderberry, or beech, with which it forms a symbiotic relationship. Rubus idaeus Tulameen is a variety native to Canada that fruits in June-July. This hardy and robust raspberry with its lightly prickly branches is very productive. It is self-fertile, but production is improved when planted alongside other pollinators. Optimal production is achieved from the third year after planting. The lifespan of the raspberry plant is around ten years. Two categories of raspberries are distinguished: remontant varieties, which provide a harvest from July-August until the first frost, and non-remontant varieties, which have abundant harvests around June-July.

The Tulameen Raspberry is a deciduous shrub with upright stems, forming a bush of approximately 1.50m (5ft) in all directions over time. It develops as a moderately sucker-producing perennial crown. The canes are biennial, with each cane dying after fruiting. New canes armed with small, slight prickles emerge from the roots every year. The Raspberry leaves are green on top, white-green and hairy on the underside. It has nectar-producing, small white flowers, 1 to 2cm (0 to 1in) in diameter, grouped in small clusters of 10 to 12 in April-May. The fruits are formed by small drupes, easily detachable at ripeness.

Raspberries are delicate fruits that should be carefully picked. They can be lightly washed with water and are best stored in the refrigerator. Picking is easy, and it is very enjoyable either to eat the fruits on the spot or to pick them for various culinary uses such as sorbets, sauces, jams, tiramisu, crumbles, puddings, etc., not to mention the traditional Raspberry Tart. Raspberries are low in calories but rich in minerals, vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants, a healthy choice. Planting them in the vegetable garden, orchard, or as accent plants in the ornamental garden gives this raspberry plant a special place alongside other small fruit varieties.