Are raspberries native to north america?

Raspberries, the juicy and sweet member of the berry family, have been a delicacy for centuries. They can be used in jams, pies or enjoyed fresh off the farm field. However, their origins are shrouded with mystery – some people believe that they are native to North America while others disagree. This article dives into this controversy, trying to answer once and for all whether raspberries indeed hail from North America.

Berry Basics

Before we get started on our journey about raspberry history, let’s take a minute to understand common berry fruits; what is a fruit? A basic definition states that fruits come from flowering plants and contain seeds. Berries are classified under botanical fruits since they derive from an ovary of one flower having many seeds embedded inside it.

Berries (excluding strawberries) have three parts: exocarp (outer skin), mesocarp (fleshy middle part) & endocarp(innermost fleshy part containing seed). It’s stated berries do not contain any woody layer which distinguishes them from drupes such as peaches.

Now that your basics understanding of berries is covered lets move onto finding if raspberries originate in North American soil.

Raspberry History

Some scholars argue that raspberries originated in Asia and found their way across continents through human migration activities several years ago while others contest that rasps made their debut right here on the continent by mother nature herself.

In his book “The Origin of Cultivated Plants,” Alphonse de Candolle chronicled Europe’s discovery of raspberry bushes somewhere between 1548 AD–1556 AD during which merchants alongside Jesuit monks reportedly spotted raspberry shrubs flourishing along Crimean peninsula’s valleys & hillside. Thus Alphonse agrees with those who indicate Asian origin stories/berry migrants arrived within Russian territory hence named ‘Rubus idaeus’ which means “bramble of Mt. Ida” refering to the place mythological goddess Cybele protected from curious onlookers though a thorny shrubbery fence.

Still, others point out that the plant is native to North America and has been in existence for thousands of years before European settlement. Additionally, John Bartram (an 18th-century botanist) alluded in his journals that Native Americans cultivated red raspberry bushes & continued enjoying their fruits throughout winter’s harsh throes. Further evidence proposes that these domestications likely occurred since pre-historic times given the archaeological discovery of prickly historical fruit seeds resembling raspberries dating back between 7500BC-2100BC amongst indigenous sites where ancient communities existed;

Though professing allegiance either way requires dismissing conflicting evidence what about analyzing raspberries from another angle?

What Does Science Say?

Molecular biologists have diversified insight into berry genetics—this technique unearths actual origins while helping provide accurate key distinctions between similar cultivars hence obtain conclusive results on whether Rubus idaeus indeed are native or outsiders.

According to a US National Agricultural Library database report published June 1988 “An Introduction To The Genera Of Rosaceae,” raspberries belong to Rosaceae family alongside other stone berries like peaches and cherries which were already distributed over Asia region during Miocene period.

Now here’s where things get thick as scientists contend alternate theories basing claimants choose different parental species varying based underlying biological algorithm;
1. Rubrus coreanus – genus supposed progenitor B-Rasp Vinfarm because critical molecular data suggests they bear striking resemblance.
2. R-Europaeus – Himeji#516 also confessed using its DNA seed bank finding it almost identical when compared with randy types at UC Davis marker figures

Even more complicated; specialists like Drs Bellido & Calzada from Cordoba University published Dec 2002 issue of Plant Diversity & Evolution magazine advise that rasperries originally belonged to Mexican soils regardless of specific rubus species, the Latin term floricomous meaning flowers coming from a branching structure.

What About Native American Raspberries?

Another school of thought believes in raspberries native to North America since some Indigenous communities foraged wild rasps for centuries. With scientific studies limited in this field currently, conclusive proof remains stark.

An interesting fact was brought up by John Eastman (author & environmentalist) confirming how Nomadic tribes like Ojibwe cultivated raspberries using simple “pre-contact” techniques which were enough to yield bountiful harvests.

Therefore, while it’s proven beyond a reasonable doubt that raspberry fruits have been enjoyed throughout America’s ancient past just where they came from seems like an enigma no dietitian worth their salt can discern with absolute confidence leaving us all intrigued.

Some Interesting Facts

It is estimated that more than 90% of red raspberries sold commercially around the world are grown and harvested within Oregon state boundaries making its’ nickname “The Raspberry State” very aptly deserved
Additionally, did you know that during World War I & World War II citizens served rhubarb leaves as ersatz berry snacks instead at times so much so strawberry producers took advantage advertising tips such as “Rhubarb Is Not A Fruit!”

Now whether ruby vibrant berries originate deep within Mexican enclaves or Asian lands remain hazy – one thing taking center stage still stays certain…raspberry love has spanned generations without any bias!

Better Berry Memories!

Would it not be fun if we had visual aids showing bright images of delectably succulent fresh berries? Raspberry farms footage anyone?

	Favorite Sites
SammysFarm.com	Photos/videos highlighting many things farm including best natural berry nutrition benefits plus jam recipes.
GoodFood.com	Tantalizing raspberry/strawberry ice cream recipe along other classic foods -Nicky Quadrini even shares secret on how long to set contents freezer box temperature! [we may have sneaked a peek here…shhh!]
RaspberryRecipes.net	This site promises mouthwatering desserts sparkling cocktail ideas, sprinkled with different combinations on using coconut flakes and chocolate alongside red raspberries

Summing It Up

Here we are at the end of our raspberry discussion. Though it’s still not clear whether raspberries are native to North America or not, their versatility as a fruit is never in doubt. We hope this article has provided you with some fun facts and helped clear up any doubts that you might have had about where these delicious fruits come from.

So next time when you’re enjoying some fresh raspberry jam or relishing them off the orchard remember; regardless of origins—our love for their sweet succulent sensory indulgence will forever remain true without either protest.

After all- what’s there not to love? They’re pinkish-red, look adorable & taste amazing!