Raspberry Lowberry Goodasgold- Rubus idaeus

Rubus idaeus Lowberry® Goodasgold is a new variety that produces an abundant crop of beautiful lemon-yellow raspberries on the current year's canes. It bears fruit from July until the end of September, with medium to large berries measuring approximately 1.5cm (1in) in diameter. They have a rounded, slightly conical shape. The raspberries are sweet, sugary, and slightly tart, and are incredibly delicious when eaten fresh or used in jams, sorbets, juices, dried fruits, or pastries. Plant in autumn or spring in regions with cold or humid winters. This self-fertile variety can pollinate itself, but planting it alongside other raspberry varieties will enhance production by staggering harvests and diversifying flavours and uses. Hardy (down to -20°C (-4°F)) and resistant to diseases, it is easy to cultivate and requires minimal maintenance.

Rubus idaeus, commonly known as raspberry, originates from Europe and temperate Asia. It belongs to the Rosaceae family, like strawberries, blackberries, and wild roses. In its native habitat, it grows in the understory in cool climates, often with plants such as rowan, elderberry, or beech, forming a symbiotic relationship. Optimal production starts from the third year after planting. The lifespan of a raspberry plant is around ten years. Two categories of raspberries are distinguished: perpetual varieties that provide a harvest from July-August until the first frost, and non-perpetual varieties that have a bountiful harvest around June-July.

Goodasgold is a recent Swiss creation from the Lowberry® range. This range consists of varieties selected for their high yields, compact and dwarf habit, and suitability for container cultivation. Other varieties in this range include 'Saskadwarf' serviceberry, 'Little Helpers' aronia, 'Little Black Prince' blackberry, 'Little Sweet Sister' red raspberry, and 'Little Black Sugar' blackcurrant. It forms a bushy shrub that can reach 100cm (39in) in height and 80cm (32in) in width. Its deciduous foliage is carried on upright stems, developing from a moderately suckering perennial stump. The biennial canes die after fruiting, but new suckers armed with small, non-prickly thorns emerge from the roots every year. Its leaves are green on the upper side and whitish-green, tomentose underneath. The white flowers, measuring 1 to 2cm (1in) in diameter, are grouped in small clusters of 10 to 12. They appear from late June, and the flowering period extends until September. The fruits consist of small, clustered drupes that are easy to detach when ripe.

Goodasgold can be grown in containers on a balcony, patio, or in a small garden. It can also be planted in a vegetable garden, orchard, or used as a focal point in a decorative garden. In any case, this Raspberry Bush will find a prominent place alongside other small fruit varieties. This autumn variety offers the advantage of staggered harvests for various uses. Raspberries are delicate fruits that need to be carefully picked. They can be lightly washed with water and stored in the refrigerator. Picking is easy, and it is enjoyable either to eat the fruits on the spot or to use them for various culinary purposes such as sorbets, sauces, jams, tiramisu, crumbles, and puddings, not forgetting the traditional raspberry tart. They are low in calories, but rich in minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron), vitamins C and K, fibre, and antioxidants. Raspberries contribute to a balanced diet.

Tip: this autumn raspberry variety, known as primocane raspberries, fruits on the current year's canes. However, by retaining some canes from the previous year during winter pruning, it is possible to obtain an early harvest in June on these same branches.