What is the difference between raspberries and blackberries?
Both raspberries and blackberries are brambleberries, a cluster of individual fruits called druplets, each with its own seed and attached around a receptacle. When raspberries are picked the receptacle is left behind leaving a hollow in the berry. A blackberry retains the receptacle. Raspberries are more easily crushed, and the hollow cavity is a breeding ground for mold. All brambleberries should be deeply colored, a sign of ripeness. Immature berries do not sweeten after picking and are best left to ripen on the bush. Wash brambleberries quickly in cold water just before serving. Never soak the berries because they will lose sugar and flavor. Brambleberries are very perishable and must be refrigerated immediately after harvest. With a loose covering of plastic wrap, blackberries can be refrigerated for five to seven days, black raspberries for three to five days and red raspberries two to three days. All kinds of brambleberries are interchangeable in recipes.
