Raspberry Sanibelle (Everbearing) - Rubus idaeus

The Sanibelle® Raspberry Bush is a hardy, robust, and vigorous variety that produces abundant large conical fruits, weighing approximately 10 grams, with a vibrant red colour and firm, highly fragrant flesh. This perpetual variety bears fruit from August until the first frost. The sweet, sugary, and slightly tangy fruits of the Rubus idaeus Sanibelle are extremely delicious when consumed fresh or used in jams, sorbets, juices, dried fruits, or pastries. This new variety is particularly resistant to phytophthora, a disease that causes root death, and performs better in heavy and moist soils.

The Raspberry Bush, known as Rubus idaeus in Latin, originates from Europe and temperate Asia, and belongs to the Rosaceae family, like strawberries, blackberries, and wild roses. In its natural habitat, it grows in cool climates in association with plants such as the rowan tree, elderberry, or beech tree, forming a symbiotic relationship with them.

Developed at the Geneva station in Switzerland, the Rubus idaeus Sanibelle is a variety particularly resistant to phytophthora. This disease mainly affects the roots, especially in heavy and moist soils. With this proven resistance, we obtain a variety that can thrive in this type of soil, which is a real advantage. Hardy and robust, this Raspberry Bush with its prickly branches is highly productive from July until the first frost. It is self-fertile, but its production is enhanced when planted alongside other pollinators. The optimal production occurs from the third year after planting. The lifespan of a raspberry bush is about ten years. Two categories of raspberry bushes can be distinguished: remontant varieties that bear fruit from July to August until the frost, and non-remontant varieties with abundant harvests around June to July.

The Sanibelle Raspberry Bush is a deciduous shrub with upright stems, forming a bush about 150 cm (59in) in all directions over time. It grows as a moderately suckering perennial stump. The biennial stems, each with the peculiarity of dying after fruiting, emerge from its roots every year, armed with small, mildly prickly pricks. The Raspberry Bush has green leaves on the top, white-green and downy on the underside. The flowers are highly attractive to bees. The small white flowers, about 1 to 2 cm (0 to 1in) in diameter, are grouped in small clusters of 10 to 12, and appear in April to May. The fruits consist of small agglomerated drupes that are easy to detach when ripe.

The Rubus idaeus Sanibelle offers the advantage of a staggered harvest for various uses. Whether planted in a vegetable garden, orchard, or as an accent in a decorative garden, this raspberry bush holds a special place alongside other small fruit varieties. Raspberries are delicate fruits that must be carefully picked. They can be lightly washed with water and are best stored in the refrigerator. It is delightful to either enjoy the fruits on the spot or pick them for various culinary uses such as sorbets, sauces, jams, tiramisu, crumbles, puddings, and, of course, the traditional Raspberry Tart. Low in calories but rich in minerals, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, raspberries are a health asset.