It’s a swim day. Swim days will be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays because those are the days we have a bus. We also have a bus on Fridays. Simply getting a bus these days is hard because every place wants to do something during the summer, and transporting children in anything smaller than a school bus is just plain unsafe.

Swimming can be a dangerous thing, so we’re very strict today. Children will be told where they can swim. If they wander off for any reason, they will go to the fenced in area for infants and toddlers. Poorly behaved children will sit out. It should be a wild adventure.

We will picnic at Fortress of Fun and then return to school about 2:30 – 3:00 depending on the kids.

Lunch is typical picnic with a choice of sandwiches, cookies, chips, vegetables, fruit and milk. Water is always available.

So make sure your child has his suit and his field trip money, and you’ll get a full report tomorrow.

Comment: This is the kind of berry to grow in the back yard! We have blackberries and grapes, but I never thought about putting in raspberries.

Raspberries

Fragrantly sweet with a subtly tart overtone and almost-melt-in-your-mouth texture, raspberries are wonderfully delicious and are usually in limited supply. Most cultivated varieties of raspberries are grown in California from June through October.

A member of the rose family and a bramble fruit like the blackberry, raspberries are delicately structured with a hollow core. Raspberries are known as “aggregate fruits” since they are a compendium of smaller seed-containing fruits, called drupelets, that are arranged around a hollow central cavity.

• Health Benefits
• Description
• History
• How to Select and Store
• How to Enjoy
• Safety
• Nutritional Profile
• References

Health Benefits

Red raspberry is most often the source of a dietary supplement sold in many health food stores called ellagic acid. This substance found naturally in raspberries belongs to the family of phytonutrients called tannins, and it is viewed as being responsible for a good portion of the antioxidant activity of this (and other) berries.

Phytonutrients for Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anticarcinogenic Protection

As an antioxidant food containing ellagic acid, raspberries help prevent unwanted damage to cell membranes and other structures in the body by neutralizing free radicals. Ellagic acid is not the only well-researched phytonutrient component of raspberry, however. Raspberry’s flavonoid content is also well documented. Here the key substances are quercetin, kaempferol, and the cyanidin-based molecules called cyanidin-3-glucosylrutinoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside. These flavonoid molecules are also classified as anthocyanins, and they belong to the group of substances that give raspberries their rich red color. Raspberries’ anthocyanins also give these delectable berries unique antioxidant properties, as well as some antimicrobial ones, including the ability to prevent overgrowth of certain bacteria and fungi in the body (for example, the yeast Candida albicans, which is a frequent culprit in vaginal infections and can be a contributing cause in irritable bowel syndrome).

Additionally, research is suggesting that raspberries may have cancer protective properties. Research with animals has suggested that raspberries have have the potential to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and tumor formation in various parts of the body, including the colon.

Antioxidants Unique to Raspberries Provide Powerful Protection

Raspberries possess almost 50% higher antioxidant activity than strawberries, three times that of kiwis, and ten times the antioxidant activity of tomatoes, shows research conducted in the Netherlands and published in the journal BioFactors.

The biggest contribution to raspberries’ antioxidant capacity is their ellagitannins, a family of compounds almost exclusive to the raspberry, which are reported to have anti-cancer activity. Vitamin C contributes about 20% of the total antioxidant capacity, accounting for up to 30 milligrams in 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of fruit. Raspberries anthocyanins, especially cyanidin and pelagonidin glycosides, make up another 25%. And more good news: freezing and storing raspberries does not significantly affect their antioxidant activity, although in this study, their concentration of vitamin C was halved by the freezing process.

Plus Vitamin and Mineral Antioxidants

In addition to their unique phytonutrient content, raspberries are filled with traditional nutrients, primarily in the antioxidant and B vitamin categories. Raspberries emerged from our nutrient ranking system as an excellent source of manganese and vitamin C, two critical antioxidant nutrients that help protect the body’s tissue from oxygen-related damage. They also qualified as a good source of riboflavin, folate, niacin, magnesium, potassium and copper. Coupled with this strong B vitamin and mineral content, raspberries qualified as “excellent” in terms of dietary fiber. This combination of nutrients makes raspberries a great fruit choice for having minimal impact on blood sugars.

Promote Optimal Health

Research published in Cancer Letters provides one reason why diets high in fruit help prevent cancer: raspberries, blackberries and muscadine grapes inhibit metalloproteinase enzymes. Although essential for the development and remodeling of tissues, if produced in abnormally high amounts, these enzymes play a significant role in cancer development by providing a mechanism for its invasion and spread.

Protection against Macular Degeneration

Your mother may have told you carrots would keep your eyes bright as a child, but as an adult, it looks like fruit is even more important for keeping your sight. Data reported in a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology indicates that eating 3 or more servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, by 36%, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.

In this study, which involved over 110,000 women and men, researchers evaluated the effect of study participants’ consumption of fruits; vegetables; the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E; and carotenoids on the development of early ARMD or neovascular ARMD, a more severe form of the illness associated with vision loss. While, surprisingly, intakes of vegetables, antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids were not strongly related to incidence of either form of ARMD, fruit intake was definitely protective against the severe form of this vision-destroying disease. Three servings of fruit may sound like a lot to eat each day, but raspberries can help you reach this goal. Top your morning cereal or lunch time yogurt or cottage cheese with fresh raspberries. Transform the taste and presentation of any green salad with a handful of raspberries and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Blend frozen raspberries with a spoonful of honey and some vanilla soy milk, freeze for 20 minutes, then spoon into serving cups and decorate with a sprig of mint for an elegant, healthy treat.

Description

Raspberries are known as “aggregate fruits” since they are a compendium of smaller seed-containing fruits, called drupelets, which are arranged around a hollow central cavity. Their shape conveys to them a very delicate, almost “melt-in-your-mouth” texture. They are fragrantly sweet with a subtly tart overtone. While the most common type of raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is red-pink in color, raspberries actually come in a range of colors including black, purple, orange, yellow and white. Both loganberries and boysenberries are hybrids of raspberries.

History

Raspberries can trace a long history dating back to prehistoric times. While wild raspberries are thought to have originated in eastern Asia, there are also varieties that are native to the Western Hemisphere. The seeds of these raspberries were likely to have been carried by travelers or animals that came across the Bering Straight during ancient times.

The spread of wild raspberries through the world seems to have occurred via similar means. The early hunter-gatherers traveled to far distances to collect food. On their treks back to the villages they would discard what they considered to be inferior quality foods, including the smaller sized raspberries. Thus began the propagation of these plants in other areas.

There seems to be no evidence that raspberries were cultivated until this millennia, with the first written mention being found in an English book on herbal medicine dated 1548. Raspberries began to be grown more widely in Europe and North America in the 19th century when many new varieties such as the loganberry and boysenberry were developed through either accidental or intentional crossbreeding. Currently, the leading commercial producers of raspberries include Russia, Poland, Yugoslavia, Germany, Chile and the United States.

How to Select and Store

As raspberries are highly perishable, they should only be purchased one or two days prior to use. Choose berries that are firm, plump and deep in color, while avoiding those that are soft, mushy or moldy. If you are buying berries prepackaged in a container, make sure that they are not packed too tightly, since this may cause them to become crushed and damaged, and that the container has no signs of stains or moisture, indication of possible spoilage. Raspberries are generally available from midsummer through early fall.

Raspberries are one of the most perishable fruits, so extreme care should be taken in their storage. Before storing in the refrigerator, remove any berries that are molded or spoiled so that they will not contaminate the others. Place the unwashed berries back in their original container or spread them out on a plate lined with a paper towel, then cover the plate with plastic wrap. Raspberries will keep fresh in the refrigerator for one or two days. Make sure not to leave raspberries at room temperature or exposed to sunlight for too long, as this will cause them to spoil.

Raspberries freeze very well. Wash them gently using the low pressure of the sink sprayer so that they will maintain their delicate shape and then pat dry with a paper towel. Arrange them in a single layer on a flat pan or cookie sheet and place them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the berries to a heavy plastic bag and return them to the freezer where they will keep for up to one year. Adding a bit of lemon juice to the raspberries will help to preserve their color.

How to Enjoy

For some of our favorite recipes, click Recipes.

Tips for Preparing Raspberries:

As raspberries are very delicate, wash them very gently, using the light pressure of the sink sprayer if possible, and then patting them dry. They should be washed right before eating or recipe preparation so that they do not become water-soaked and are not left at room temperature for too long. Do not use any berries that are overly soft and mushy unless you will be puréeing them for a sauce or coulis.

A Few Quick Serving Ideas:

Mix fresh raspberries in with creamy millet porridge for a sweet morning breakfast treat.

While at first glance it may seem unusual, the flavor combination created by sprinkling fresh raspberries with balsamic vinegar will send your palate to heaven.

Plain yogurt mixed with raspberries, honey and freshly ground mint is delicious eaten as is or used as a topping for waffles or pancakes.

Almond butter and raspberry jam are a flavorful alternative to the traditional PB&J sandwich.

Depending upon how much sweetener you use, homemade raspberry coulis can be used as a sauce for either savory poultry dishes or sweet desserts.

Safety

Raspberries and Oxalates

Raspberries are among a small number of foods that contain measurable amounts of oxalates, naturally-occurring substances found in plants, animals, and human beings. When oxalates become too concentrated in body fluids, they can crystallize and cause health problems. For this reason, individuals with already existing and untreated kidney or gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating raspberries. Laboratory studies have shown that oxalates may also interfere with absorption of calcium from the body. Yet, in every peer-reviewed research study we’ve seen, the ability of oxalates to lower calcium absorption is relatively small and definitely does not outweigh the ability of oxalate-containing foods to contribute calcium to the meal plan. If your digestive tract is healthy, and you do a good job of chewing and relaxing while you enjoy your meals, you will get significant benefits-including absorption of calcium-from calcium-rich foods plant foods that also contain oxalic acid. Ordinarily, a healthcare practitioner would not discourage a person focused on ensuring that they are meeting their calcium requirements from eating these nutrient-rich foods because of their oxalate content. For more on this subject, please see “Can you tell me what oxalates are and in which foods they can be found?”

Nutritional Profile

Raspberries are an excellent source of fiber, manganese and vitamin C. They are a good source of vitamin B2, folate, niacin, magnesium, potassium and copper. In addition, they contain significant amounts of the anti-cancer phytochemical ellagic acid.

For an in-depth nutritional profile click here: Raspberries.

In-Depth Nutritional Profile

In addition to the nutrients highlighted in our ratings chart, an in-depth nutritional profile for Raspberries is also available. This profile includes information on a full array of nutrients, including carbohydrates, sugar, soluble and insoluble fiber, sodium, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and more.

Introduction to Food Rating System Chart

The following chart shows the nutrients for which this food is either an excellent, very good or good source. Next to the nutrient name you will find the following information: the amount of the nutrient that is included in the noted serving of this food; the %Daily Value (DV) that that amount represents; the nutrient density rating; and the food’s World’s Healthiest Foods Rating. Underneath the chart is a table that summarizes how the ratings were devised. Read detailed information on our Food and Recipe Rating System.

In Depth Nutritional Profile for Raspberries

The first week of summer was encouraging. We’re swamped! That’s a good thing.

Our field trip was to Lincoln’s Boyhood home – one of my favorites. The farm was really at rest on Friday – it was hot and muggy and the animals stayed in the barns for the longest time. But finally, “the man” arrived and hitched up the horses, and the kids got to watch and then they got to pet the horses. It’s always funny to me to see the children just arrive at a site like Lincoln and not have a clue about what to do, and whine and snivel about it being hot and about being thirsty and tired and snivel, snivel, and then little by little they get their bearings and begin to find real kid things to do and finally participate like children of every age. On the hike back there was a huge king snake that tried to cross the path. Our kids were delighted.

We had an outstanding picnic and the children ate and ate. We are using tortillas for sandwich bread and the children really like this. It’s small, light, and tastes good. We had a choice of tuna, egg, crab and chicken salad, peanut butter with or without honey, bologna and or cheese, pickles, carrots, apples, raisins, chips, cookies and milk. They got to choose what they liked, and they thought that was fun and they ate most of it, so I suppose they were hungry.

The bus ride home was good because Miss Kelly made a seating chart and it worked well. The bus rides are long and the children must remain seated. But it’s an adventure many of them will not get a chance to do again, so it’s worth the sit. Besides, the youngest love riding Miss Sandy’s bus.

Monday is in school. Tuesday we’re supposed to venture over to the pool, but it’s supposed to be in the seventies and that’s too cold to swim, and it’s supposed to be 90 on Friday, so we may swap days. Depends on Miss Sandy. We will post any changes on the parent board.

Wednesday we will swim again, and then on Thursday it’s in school. Friday we will go either swimming or to the Zoo. On the field trip schedule, we’re supposed to go to New Harmony, but I called and they have this outstanding thing on the 15th, so I booked and we’ll just go to the zoo this week instead. Changes changes.

Please make sure children are in bed by 8:00 on Thursdays because field trips are really hard if a child is sleep deprived. In fact, if a child is really sleep deprived, he shouldn’t be in school. It’s considered an illness. Most of our children are in rotten shape. Too much sitting in air conditioning and not enough outdoors. The absence of outdoor play is obvious when a child can’t take a 1/4 mile walk in the woods without complaining and wanting to be carried. We have a two mile trip through the caves in July. That ought to wear them out!

Socks and shoes are best on Mondays and Thursdays. Sandals for Tuesday and Wednesday and Socks and shoes are a must for Field trips.

Signing off

Comment: Lots of people pack our parachutes, and the more I think about this the more complicated it gets. This is for our parents who pack our parachutes.


Charlie Plumb was a Shawnee Mission North graduate .... a POW in the

Vietnam War

Charles Plumb was a US Navy jet pilot in Vietnam.

After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface to air 

 missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands He was captured

and spent 6 years in a communist Vietnamese prison. He survived the

ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience

One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man

at another table came up and said, "You're Plumb! You flew jet

fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were

shot down!"

"How in the world did you know that?" asked Plumb.

"I packed your parachute," the man replied. Plumb gasped in surprise

and gratitude. The man pumped his hand and said, "I guess it worked!"

Plumb assured him, "It sure did. If your chute hadn't worked, I

wouldn't be here today."

Plumb couldn't sleep that night, thinking about that man. Plumb says,

"I kept wondering what he had looked like in a Navy uniform: a white

hat; a bib in the back; and bell-bottom trousers. I wonder how many

times I might have seen him and not even said 'Good morning, how are

you?' or anything because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was

just a sailor." Plumb thought of the many hours the sailor had spent

at a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving

the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands

each time the fate of someone he didn't know.

Now, Plumb asks his audience, "Who's packing your parachute?" Everyone

has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day. He

also points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when his plane

was shot down over enemy territory -- he needed his physical

parachute, his mental parachute, his emotional parachute, and his

spiritual parachute. He called on all these supports before reaching

safety.

Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we miss what is

really important. We may fail to say hello, please, or thank you,

congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them,

give a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason.

As you go through this week, this month, this year, recognize people

who pack your parachutes.

Yesterday the Master Gardeners of Evansville came to the Garden School again and we harvested our lettuce and our radishes and the other spring garden plants we planted a few weeks ago. The vegetables were both beautiful and delicious – cuz we ate ’em for lunch! We grew over six quarts of lettuce and munchables!

Then we divided up into threes and put in a new summer garden. Our names are on our spots, so come see and check us out. Each child is responsible for taking care of his space.

One of the children said of the lettuce, “You mean I’m eating something that was once in dirt?”

This is an important part of their education!

Today we are going on our first summer field trip to Lincoln National Forrest and Lincoln’s Boyhood Home. It’s one of my favorite trips. The kids will get to just play around the cabin and the old farm. There are lots of animals there. Then we will picnic in the woods, and then we will hike a bit and come home.

Next week we begin swimming on Tuesday. Children need suits by then to be brought to school and left for the summer. We will launder – please do not borrow your child’s suit because it never seems to find its way back to school on time.

The cost of field trips has actually gone down this year. We estimated that children cost about $25.00 per week per child last year, and this year by paying as we go, it should be less. The more children who go on the field trips, the less it will cost.

Very little children who cannot spend two full days in the sun will not swim on Wednesdays, and that will help some families with cost.

Next Friday, we will swap the Zoo trip with the New Harmony trip because we have a splendid invitation from New Harmony on the fifteenth of June to witness all the old crafts up there. It should be fun to see candle making and bread baking in the old costumes. Then we have been invited to go to Harmony Park for lunch.

Yesterday we had a visit from an old and very dear friend and his son who was one of our favorite children ever – Mr. Cody. It was wonderful to see him nearly grown up and handsome and polite and beautifully reared. He’s a tribute to loving and caring parents. Cody will ever be one of my favorite ever children. He had a particular gentleness and humor and inquisitiveness that is rarely seen. His approach to life is a one of a kinder.

Have a brilliant day and get out into the sunlight!