History
The West Indian raspberry (Rubus Rosifolius) arrived in the Lesser Antilles and America during colonization. It is native to Southeast Asia specifically in the Himalayan regions of rainforest, East Asia and eastern Australia. The date of its introduction on the island is unknown.
After it arrived in the Caribbean islands, it spread quickly in humid regions and the elevation of Martinique. It is common to see raspberries during the ascent of Mount Pelee.
The raspberry is found today in large quantities in Brazil in the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and San Francisco neighborhoods.
Varieties
The number of varieties is unknown. First, the green fruit turns red when it reaches maturity and is generally sized 2 cm long. The shrub that has pendant stems can reach 1.5 meters high.
Its toothed leaves are composed of 5 to 7 leaflets in which there are small spines. The tree also produces white flowers with five petals. The fruits are harvested from November to June, and flowering occurs from October to May.
Health benefits
The leaves can be used to make tea against diarrheas, menstrual cramps, labor pains and morning sickness. They soothe digestive pains and give appetite. They also contain essential oils. The decoction of the leaves treats oral disease, mouth ulcers and gingivitis. The infusion under compresses promotes wound healing.
Uses
In Martinique, the fruit is eaten especially in nature and also in the conception of fruit salad (with oranges, pineapple, litchi, etc...).
It is not very juicy and has a mild flavor, although it has no real taste. It is also used to make jam or the famous Matouba punch. In the world, we use it to prepare syrups and fruit pastes (New Caledonia).
