The red raspberry is the first to ripen, followed by black and then purple and yellow. Some varieties produce two crops a year and are called everbearing or fallbearing. Ripe raspberries should be large, bright, shiny, uniform in color and ripeness, attractive, firm and of good quality. Taste varies from tart to sweet depending on the variety and maturity. Upon ripening, blackberries become dull-black in color and are just beginning to soften and get sweet.
Fruit is medium to large size.
The small depression in each drupelet should be well filled. They should be solid and have plump, juicy fruitlets. Look for stains on containers which indicate crushed or bruised fruit. The berries should be free of dirt, mold, or decay. Contact your county Extension agent, Agriculture or Horticulture, for recommendations on varieties.