UPDATE: As the raspberry harvest season rapidly approaches, local gardener Jaci Hicken is reaching out for creative recipe suggestions to utilize her surplus of frozen raspberries. With 15 kg of last year’s crop still in the freezer, Hicken seeks innovative ways to cook with these berries before the new harvest begins in November 2025.
With the second week of November just around the corner, Hicken is facing a pressing dilemma. After transforming her backyard into a thriving berry patch, she now has a substantial backlog of frozen raspberries from previous seasons. These berries have previously been turned into jams, vinegars, and her signature raspberry cream torte, but now she needs more ideas to avoid waste.
The raspberry patch, established early in her gardening journey, has flourished in its designated 4-meter wide by 12-meter long bed, thanks to careful planning and maintenance. Hicken’s original vision included a variety of berries, but the vigorous growth of raspberries has taken center stage.
Raspberries are known to produce fruit on either first-year or second-year canes, with Hicken’s canes yielding fruit in late spring through early summer. Each year, she prunes them around Easter, ensuring a healthy crop for the following season. In optimal conditions, her patch produces up to 40 kg of fruit, most of which is frozen for later use.
As the new harvesting season draws near, Hicken is urging anyone with culinary expertise to share their favorite ways to use frozen raspberries. She invites readers to send their recipes directly to her at [email protected].
With the community’s involvement, Hicken hopes to find new and exciting ways to showcase her beloved raspberries before the next crop takes over. This urgent call for recipes not only addresses her immediate need but also fosters a sense of community and shared creativity among fellow cooking enthusiasts.
What will happen next? As Hicken prepares for the upcoming harvest, she eagerly awaits the community’s response and anticipates the culinary adventures that lie ahead. Will you help her make the most of her frozen raspberry bounty? Share your ideas today!
