Heritage raspberries are a special variety of berry prized for their unique flavor and texture. The berries are smaller and more delicate than standard raspberries, with a thin skin that is easily bruised. Heritage raspberries are also incredibly sweet, with a rich, complex flavor like nothing else.
When ripe, the berries are a deep red color, and they practically melt in your mouth. The berries are also perfect for making jams and jellies, as their high sugar content means that they will set perfectly.
Are Heritage Raspberries Thornless and Seedless?
Native to North America, heritage raspberries are considered one of the world’s most popular and widely cultivated types of berries.
The raspberry bush is covered in small, sharp thorns, which can make picking the berries a bit of a challenge. It is a self-fruitful plant, and the berries are usually borne on second-year canes.
Although the sharp thorns make harvesting a bit of a challenge, these thorns also mean that they won’t need a trellis or other support systems to grow properly.
Heritage Raspberries are relatively strong and can grow without any assistance. They are often considered to be one of the easiest types of raspberries to grow. Being self-sufficient also means they are less likely to succumb to diseases and pests.
Heritage Raspberries are a popular choice for home gardens because they are easy to care for and produce delicious fruit. However, despite its easy-to-care nature, you might be disappointed to know that thornless and seedless varieties of Heritage Raspberries do not exist. If you want to make your jam out of these berries, you’ll have to manually strain the seeds.
Harvesting from a Thorny Heritage Raspberry: Helpful Tips
Although you can’t find thornless Heritage Raspberries, there are a few things you can do to make the process of picking them a little less painful.
Wear the Right Clothing
This may be self-explanatory, but protecting yourself from these thorns may mean wearing long sleeves and thick gloves. Ensure that your clothing is also loose-fitting so that the thorns don’t catch on anything and tear your clothes.
Harvest When They’re Ripe
Ripe fruits easily fall off their stem, so it would be easier for you to harvest them. You’ll know they’re ripe when they are deep red in color and soft to the touch.
Use a Knife or Scissors
If you find that the thorns are still piercing through your gloves, you can use a knife or pair of scissors to carefully cut the stem. Long-handled pruning shears can also be used to reach the berries without having to put your hand near the thorns.
Wrap the Stems with Rubber Bands
This is a trick that many raspberry growers have been doing for years. Simply take a rubber band and wrap the band around the stems. Doing so will help you hold the berries in place, minimizing the exposure of your skin to the thorns.
Final Thoughts
Although heritage raspberries are known for their delicious fruit, they can be a bit of a challenge to harvest because of their sharp thorns. However, taking some of the precautions listed above can make the process a little less painful. Trust me, it’s worth it when you get to enjoy the delicious berries!