Varieties

There are three main types of raspberries, red, black, and purple grown in the United States.  They differ in several ways other than their color.  

Red raspberries   have erect canes.  They usually are propagated by suckers which grow from the roots of the parent plant.  Red raspberries are grown most extensively in the West.

Black raspberries (blackcaps) have arched canes that root at the tips of the canes.  Blackcaps are grown in the eastern half of the country and in Oregon.

Purple raspberries are hybrids of red raspberries and blackcaps.  They have the same growth characteristics as blackcaps and are propagated in the same way.  They are grown extensively in western New York, though the area where blackcaps are grown.

Yellow raspberries are variations of red raspberries and except for the fruit color, have all the characteristics of red raspberries. They are grown mainly in home gardens.

Raspberries should be fresh-looking, plump, cold, dry, and free of bruising and mold.  To maintain quality until they are consumed, keep them cold and covered.  Raspberries must be served as soon as possible after purchase.

U.S. Standards for raspberries are two grades, U.S.1 and U.S.2.

U.S.1 are well colored, well developed, and not soft, overripe, or broken: which are free from cores, sunscald, mold, and decay, and from damage caused by dirt or other foreign matter, shriveling, moisture, disease, insects, mechanical, or other means. 

Fresh Raspberries are available in June and July, but mostly in July.  The supply is small and uncertain