Raspberry Schönemann - Rubus idaeus

The Schönemann Raspberry is a hardy, robust, vigorous, and late variety that produces abundantly large, conical, and highly fragrant dark red fruits. This non-remontant variety bears fruit in July over a short period, allowing for a grouped harvest. Sweet, sugary, and slightly acidic, its fruits are extremely delicious when consumed fresh, but they can also be enjoyed in jam, sorbet, or pastries. 

The Raspberry (Rubus idaeus), native to Europe and temperate Asia, belongs to the Rosaceae family, along with strawberries, blackberries, and wild roses. In its native habitat, it grows in the undergrowth of cool climates, often in association with plants such as rowan, elderberry, or beech, with which it forms a symbiotic relationship. Originating from Germany, 'Schönemann' is a late variety adapted to high-altitude cultivation. It is a reasonably spiky and highly productive Raspberry. It is self-fertile, but production is enhanced when planted alongside other pollinators. Whether planted in the vegetable garden, orchard, or as a focal point in the ornamental garden, this Raspberry variety holds a special place among other small fruit varieties.  Optimal production is achieved from the third year after planting. The lifespan of a Raspberry plant is about ten years. Two categories of Raspberry plants can be distinguished: remontant varieties that ensure production from July to August until the first frosts, and non-remontant varieties that have a bountiful harvest around June-July.

The Schönemann Raspberry is a deciduous shrub with upright stems, forming a bush about 1.50 m (5ft) in all directions over time. It develops as a perennial sucker. The stems, or canes, are biennial, each one dying after fruiting. Every year, new canes armed with small, non-prickly prickles emerge from the roots. The Raspberry has green leaves on the upper side and white-green, tomentose leaves on the underside. The flowering is highly attractive to bees. The white flowers are small (1 to 2 cm (0 to 1in) in diameter), grouped in small clusters of 10 to 12, and appear in April-May. The fruits are formed by small, easily detachable drupes at ripeness.

Raspberries are delicate fruits that need to be carefully picked; a light water wash is possible, and they keep better in the refrigerator. Picking them is easy, and it is very enjoyable either to savor the fruits on the spot or to pick them for various culinary uses such as sorbets, coulis, jams, tiramisu, crumbles, puddings, etc, not forgetting the traditional Raspberry Tart. Low in calories but rich in minerals, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, raspberries are a health asset.