Raspberry Juice

Raspberrys belong to the genus Rubus, a part of the rose family.Red Raspberry is believed to be native to Europe, but it’s widely cultivated in North America, Britain, Scandinavia and Scotland.The raspberry is a compound fruit composed of many small fruits. The skin of the fruit is smooth and fragile and is red-pink, dark purple,orange or yellow in color. The core of the fruit is hollow, distinguishing raspberries from blackberries also known as “aggregate fruits” since they are a compendium of smaller seed-containing fruits, called drupelets, that are arranged around a hollow Central cavity. Their shape conveys to them a very delicate, almost “melt in your mouth” texture. They are fragrantly sweet with a subtly tart overtone.

Uses:
Healthful properties in the leaves,root and bark are so valuable,is known as the "Woman's Herb". Species Rubus idaeus,fam:Rosacaea, raspberry is a relative of the rose, famous for vitamin C in the rose hipp.These leaves (and fruit) are rich in citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid,citrate,malate and tartarate of iron, potassium and calcium, calcium & potassium chloride, sulphate and phosphate, pectin, fragrine (an alkaloid that tones the tissues), a volatile oil,vitamins A, B, C, E, and fructose. The action is astringent, tonic, refrigerant, parturient, hemostatic,anti-septic, anti-abortient, anti-gonorrheal, anti-leucorrheal and anti-malarial. see here for more on cure zone.
Alma Hutchens (Indian erbology) says raspberry leaf tea "can be taken freely before, during and after confinement, rendering parturition less laborious." Regular drinking throughout pregnancy strengthens and tones tissues, helping contractions and checks hemorrhage during labour. A perfectly safe drink (unlike black tea or coffee which contain caffeine) raspberry tea also enriches milk and helps prevent miscarriage.
Raspberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C and are a source of soluble fibers. In addition, they contain ellagic acid, a potential cancer-fighting agent.

Storage:
When selecting raspberries, look for deep-colored, plump and juicy berries that are fragrant, without the cores attached. A core means the raspberries were picked too early and the berry will be sour. Avoid berries that have bruises, are soft and mushy, have black spots or mold. It is also important to check the bottom of the container to make sure there are no red stains or squashed fruit. Since raspberries soften quickly and are delicate, they should be used right away after picking or purchase. stored on a paper towel placed in a airy box. Do not soak the berries, as their hollow core fills with water and makes the berry less flavorful. Fresh raspberries are available in mid- summer through early fall. Adding a bit of lemon juice to the raspberries will help to preserve their color.More read from
Joy of baking.
See here to knowmoreand at Indianadoc about this lovely colorful fruit.

Medicinal Uses:
Raspberry Leaf Tea is valuable during parturition. It should be taken freely - warm.,prescribed by herbalists, naturopaths and maternity caregivers for a variety of reasons in many forms, doses and concentrations .

Nutrional facts:
An excellent source of Vitamin A,B1, C and are a source of soluble fibers.
Contain potential anti-cancer agent ellagic acid.
Are a high source of soluble fibers and may lower high blood cholesterol.
No fat, sodium, or cholesterol.

Ingredients for Raspberry Juice:
Raspberry - I used Drisscolls brand fresh fruits.
Sugar - 2tspn
Ice water or Ice Cubes - 2cups
Mint leaves for garnishing.

Method:
Wash Raspberries gently and blend in a blender to fine puree by adding ice cubes or ice water and strain to remove seeds through a fine sieve into a pitcher by pressing with fingure on puree in circular movement with finger on solids in strainer to extract as much liquid as possible.Mix Sugar and stir until it dissolves and refrigerate until ready to serve.Garnish each glass with a fresh Raspberry and Mint leaves.

Raspberry Lemonade:
Add a 2 tspn of lemon juice to Raspberry juice to make this into a "Raspberry Lemonade".

Raspberry Milkshake:
Puree Raspberries alone in blender and strain it to discard seeds and add milk and sugar and whip it in the blender ,serve chill.

Raspberry Smoothie:
To a blender container,add home made yoghurt/curd, raspberries puree,sugar cover and puree until nearly smooth.Serve chill .