Syrupus Rubi Idaei (U. S. P.)—Syrup of Raspberry.
Related plant: Rubus Idaeus (U. S. P.)—Raspberry
Preparation.—"Fresh, ripe raspberries, any convenient quantity; sugar, a sufficient quantity. Reduce. the raspberries to a pulp, and let this stand, at a temperature of about 20° C. (68° F.), until a small portion of the filtered juice mixes clear with half its volume of alcohol. Then separate the juice by pressing, set it aside, in a cool place, until the liquid portion has become clear, and filter. To every 40 parts by weight of the filtrate (which should not be allowed to remain, unprotected by sugar, more than 2 hours) add 60 parts of sugar, heat the mixture to boiling, avoiding the use of tin vessels, and strain. Keep the product in well-stoppered bottles, in a cool and dark place"—( U. S. P.).
Test.—"On shaking separate portions of syrup of raspberries with ether, chloroform, or amylic alcohol, no color should be imparted to these liquids (absence of foreign coloring matters)"—(U. S. P.).
In the preparation of fruit syrups, all being prepared alike, the juice is allowed to ferment so as to free it from pectinous and albuminous constituents, which cause it to become opaque. Raspberries readily ferment, so that the process is generally completed in a short time, or in a day, at the most, if put in a position favorable to fermentative action. The process must, however, be carefully watched lest it proceed to acetous fermentation, which greatly impairs the flavor of the product. Neither should it be allowed to mold. Generally a moderate temperature, about 12° to 15° C. (54° to 59° F.), and checking the fermentation when the juice reaches that stage when it can be easily filtered, as directed by the French Codex, will insure a good product.
Medical Uses.—Diluted with water this syrup provides a pleasant drink in fevers. The syrup may also be used for flavoring purposes.
Related Preparations.—Other syrups prepared like the above, using fresh ripe fruits, are the following. SYRUPUS FRAGARIAE, Strawberry syrup; SYRUPUS CYDONIAE, Quince syrup; SYRUPUS CERASORUM, Cherry syrup; SYRUPUS GRANATI, Pomegranate syrup, etc. (See Syrupus Rhamni and Syrupus Mori.)
AQUA RUBI IDAEI, Raspberry water, is prepared by treating 1 part of press cake (left after clarification of the juice) with 2 parts of water and distilling. It has the odor of the fruit. A pleasant fever drink.
AQUA FRAGARIA.—Prepared like the preceding. A fever drink and cosmetic.
ACETUM RUBI IDAEI.—Raspberry vinegar may be prepared either by mixing equal parts of raspberry syrup and vinegar, or by taking of raspberry syrup 1 part, and vinegar 2 parts. Diluted with water it forms an agreeable acidulous drink for fever patients. The same method is followed in preparing other fruit vinegars.
