The raspberries are ready.  This year with all of the rain they look nice and big.

Our youngest patch, the yellow raspberries, is providing a treat. We have gotten a few bowls of berries to eat at the table. They are mild and honey-sweet.

The black raspberries are from a wild variety of bramble. The patch is small and the thorns are everywhere. This is the long-sleeve patch.  We need long sleeves and long pants to protect ourselves from the thorny atmosphere.  The rains have made these berries fuller and more fruitful. Generally, we get one nice picking of about 2 quarts.  This year we have gotten 2 such pickings and there will be more. Since we get so few of these rich, full-flavored berries, I like to make freezer jam with them.  It is easy and yummy! It makes their delightful sweetness last longer than just a handful of taste during the summer.

The red raspberry patch is our old faithful one.We have had this patch for years. Although some years we replant the young stalks, and clear out the old, the patch remains and produces well. We have gotten about 12 quarts of berries already.  We have many more coming. Besides that, we get a second crop of berries in September. There are many berries to freeze as sauce and jam. When I have plenty of them, I make pie and syrup, too.

Since we did not get enough strawberries for making preserves or pie, I am very grateful for the raspberry crop. When I go to the produce counter at my supermarket, I feel like a rich woman.  The prices of this crop would discourage me from enjoying this part of the Lord’s provision for us.

Thank You, Lord, for the raspberry harvest!