Raspberries: the perfect balance between taste and shelf life
Raspberries: the perfect balance between taste and shelf life
During the beautiful summer months, demand for soft fruit increases. In addition to strawberries and blueberries, the consumption of raspberries is rapidly increasing. However, the shelf life and optimal taste of raspberries is a challenge. We are happy to help you with this.Although the consumption of raspberries is considerably lower than that of blueberries and strawberries, significant investments are also being made here to improve taste and shelf life. This is being achieved through new varieties, but also through improvements in the process. At the point of purchase in the supermarket, the appearance of raspberries is important to consumers, in addition to the price. Freshness is important and they must also be uniform in colour. A good, bright colour is important to stimulate purchases. Appearance is therefore the main driver of the initial purchase in the shop.
Short shelf life
However, repeat purchases and therefore consumption growth of raspberries are mainly driven by taste and shelf life.
Raspberries have a relatively short shelf life. In our quality programmes, we measure the shelf life of raspberries in terms of the percentage of soft raspberries, fruits with wet bruises and mouldy fruits. Mould is particularly difficult to see at the time of purchase. What starts with small spots in or on the raspberry often ends up with a completely mouldy punnet. Nothing is more annoying for a consumer than coming home to find that a punnet of raspberries is mouldy or that the raspberries are wet and soft. Consumers will then put off buying them again for a long time. In our analyses of raspberries, we regularly find samples that consumers would not buy or consume due to mouldy or wet berries.
Sweet-sour ratio of raspberries
The taste of raspberries is largely determined by the ratio of sugar to acid, the sweet-sour ratio. Raspberries can sometimes be very sour. Ideally, the acidity should be below 2%. The real challenge is to achieve the right balance between taste and shelf life. What is generally good for the taste often results in a short shelf life. Optimal sales of raspberries can only be achieved by guaranteeing an optimal cold chain right through to the shop. This cooling is also crucial during promotions, especially now that temperatures are rising. In addition, it is important to minimise the time between harvest and consumption and to choose the right variety.
Your partner in the world of fruit and vegetables
The quality and availability of fruit and vegetables fluctuate constantly. In addition to daily tasks such as inspecting fruit and vegetables, there are new challenges. These include reducing packaging materials, the increasing focus on taste, the fruit and vegetable knowledge of new staff, improving specifications, optimising seasonal transitions and introducing new cultivation techniques.In this complex fruit and vegetable world, Normec Foodcare is your partner. We give you control over the quality of fresh produce. We do this by:
Monitoring quality in supermarkets
Product comparisons
Shelf life testing
Taste testing
Store inspections
Product specifications
Secondment of inspectors & quality managers
Fresh produce quality training
Our team of fruit and vegetable experts and inspectors is there for you. With many years of knowledge and experience, we know better than anyone how you, as a grower, importer or supermarket chain, can make a difference in fruit and vegetables.
Need help?
We are happy to help you with complex quality issues. Together with you, we make a difference in the daily lives of consumers. See what we can do for you or contact us. Our AGF experts are happy to help you.
Author: Normec Foodcare
Knowledge partner in food safety, product quality and taste