DESCRIPTION
Product: Raspberry Leaves
Latin Name: Rubus idaeus syn. Rubus idaeus hortensis.
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Other Names: Garden Raspberry, European Red Raspberry, Respis, Raspbis, Hindberry, Bramble of Mount Ida, Gentler Berry, Framboise, Hindebar, Braamboss, Hindbur, Hindbeer
Description: The raspberry is a deciduous shrub that grows from perennial branching rhizomes, native to Europe and Asia; it can also be found growing in many temperate regions of the world including the United States. It grows to height of 1-2 metres and has woody; thorny stems also known as canes which are biennial. In the first year the stems grow to its full height and produces no side shoots only leaves which are 5-20cm in length pinnate and compound with 5-7 leaflets, each leaflet 3-10cm in length. In the second year the stem does not grow any taller but instead puts out side shoots from which smaller leaves grow. The flowers form in the leaf axils and at the ends of the stem, they are small about 1cm in diameter and comprised of 5 white petals and 5 green sepals.
SUGGESTED USE
When the leaves and stems are pulped a fibre can be obtained for making paper, the leaves are used to make tea and tisane. In the cosmetics industry raspberry lead is used in skin products where astringency is required, especially in products to tone and firm the skin, it is also used as a fragrance in shampoos, soaps and bathing products. An infusion of the leaves can be used to temporary darken the hair in a similar way to rosemary and sage infusions.
SHELF LIFE
Shelf life of two years provided that goods are stored in an airtight container in ambient conditions.
