Choline helps us absorb and use fats. It s required for making acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter needed for muscle control, memory storage and other functions. Coho will extend the availability of fresh berries by 7 to 10 days compared to Tulameen, the current late-season standard throughout much of the world. Raspberries are low in fat and a good source of dietary fiber. Along with blueberries and blackberries, they are also a rich source of anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants.
Coho gives high yields of bright-red, very firm berries.
Growers can obtain plants through several nurseries in the Northwest, and consumers may be able to find Coho berries this summer. Called Fantesk by its ARS developers, the material has led to partnerships with industry to develop a wide array of new products. Under one of the latest agreements with ARS, Azure Waves Seafood, Inc., of Cincinnati, Ohio, is developing seafoods seasoned with herbs and spices in breading made from Fantesk. Other food applications on the horizon include cheeses, soft-serve ice cream, cookies and muffins. Fantesk is formed first as a gel when starch, such as cornstarch, and an oil, such as soy oil, are processed in pressurized steam.