Native to Europe and northern Asia, it grows most commonly in forest clearings or meadows at altitudes of up to 1,200 meters above sea level. This plant is not suitable for calcareous soils but thrives remarkably well in more acidic and deep soils. It is easy to cultivate. The fruits are rich in ellagic acid, a beneficial substance for the chemoprevention of certain types of cancer.
Black raspberries contain considerable amounts of anthocyanin, which acts against oxygen free radicals, known contributors to cellular degeneration in mammals. It is one of the highest-priced temperate-climate fruits, with significant agro-industrial demand. Global raspberry production averages 412,000 tons annually.
