Raspberries are notoriously delicate and can go bad in the blink of an eye. To make sure you’re getting the best flavor (and avoiding any nasty surprises), it’s super important to sort through your harvest carefully. Nobody wants a moldy berry or a hidden “extra protein” guest ruining their snack! Here’s my guide on what to look for when sorting your fresh raspberries.
When in doubt, toss it out
If you’ve just come in from the garden and notice a berry that looks a little fuzzy, mushy, or just plain “off,” don’t risk it. It’s best to go through your harvest berry by berry. It might take a few extra minutes, but it’s much better than letting one bad apple—or in this case, one moldy raspberry—spoil the whole bunch!
Your Raspberry Sorting Checklist
- Gently wipe away any dirt or debris.
- Check for soft, mushy spots that indicate overripeness.
- Keep an eye out for any hitchhiking insects.
- Double-check the hollow center for tiny worms or larvae.
- Give them a quick sniff—they should smell sweet and fragrant.
- Pro tip: Avoid washing them if possible, as they soak up water and lose their texture.
Eat ’em while they’re fresh!
Raspberries are at their absolute peak right after they’re picked. Once you’ve run through the checklist, the best thing you can do is enjoy them raw immediately. Unfortunately, these little gems don’t have a long shelf life, so don’t wait too long to dig in.
Sort one more time before preserving
If you’re planning to can your raspberries or pop them in the freezer, give them a second look right before you start. Even if it’s only been a few hours since you picked them, raspberries can deteriorate quickly. To ensure your jams or frozen treats taste amazing later on, only use the freshest, most perfect berries for processing.