Adding raspberry seed powder to food complements the menu with several health benefits.

High in fiber: Raspberry seeds are an excellent source of fiber. Fiber helps improve digestion, promotes gut health, and helps regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels. In addition, fiber provides a long-lasting feeling of fullness, which is important for weight management. It is recommended to use 25-30g of fiber per day to promote good metabolism. Because the usual food menu can often be left with fiber
deficiency, the conscious inclusion of fiber-rich foods in the daily diet is beneficial.

Antioxidants: Raspberry seeds contain antioxidants, including vitamin E and ellagic acid. Studies have shown that ellagitannins can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and protect against oxidative damage. They can be associated with improved cardiovascular health, better blood sugar control, and a reduced risk of certain types of cancer

Essential fatty acids: Raspberry seeds are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and overall well-being. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, improve cardiovascular health and support brain function.

In cooperation with the EEC Polli horticultural research center, we found out which stage of cleaning and crushing raspberry seed powder is best for use as a dietary supplement in the composition of health foods. As a starting material, we used natural press residue from raspberry seeds during oil pressing as one option and natural press residue from juicing as another option. We ground the press residue to the desired fineness. Crushing the raspberry seeds makes the seeds easier to digest and the useful active ingredients contained in them easier for the body to absorb. We conducted experiments, as a result of which we found the most suitable technological solution for obtaining raspberry seed powder with high quality indicators. We investigated the potential of using raspberry seed powder in food products.

It is recommended to use raspberry seed powder as an additive in smoothies, yogurt, porridge, baked goods, 1 teaspoon of powder per 200g of food. Our powder increases the fiber content of foods and also gives a pleasant raspberry taste.

We carried out the technology and product development activities for the use of raspberry seed powder between October 2021 and December 2023 within the framework of the Estonian Rural Development Plan 2014-2020 and the project “Raspberry Seed Processing Technology and Product Prototype Development” supported by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

• Technology for valorising raspberry seeds and development of a product prototype