Boysenberries

Boysenberries are a cross between blackberries, loganberries, and raspberries. Visually, they resemble blackberries but have a bigger size and lighter reddish-purple color than the blackberry’s dark, almost black coloration. The taste of a boysenberry is that of a cross between, unsurprisingly, blackberries and raspberries. It has the juiciness of blackberry with the sweet and floral flavor profile of the raspberry, giving you the best of both worlds.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Rosales
• Family: Rosaceae
• Genus: Rubus
• Species: R. ursinus x R. ideaus
• Binomial name: Rubus ursinus x R. ideaus

Boysenberry Trivia

• Walter Knott was the first to cultivate the boysenberry commercially.
• Boysenberries were named after Rudolph Boysen, the horticulturist that experimented with berry crosses and came up with the berry.
• Boysenberries are usually only available fresh in farmers’ markets due to their highly perishable nature.

Boysenberry Buying Guide

If you’re lucky enough to run across fresh boysenberries, here are some tips to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth.

The berries should still be firm and plump. Avoid boysenberries that are “leaky” or those that have visible bruising and soft spots. Also, be on the lookout for insects or tiny pests on the fruit itself.

Due to its very fragile nature, your best bet to find fresh boysenberries at your local farmers’ markets where blackberries are usually found.

Boysenberry Production & Farming in Texas

Since boysenberries are basically a blackberry hybrid, they can be grown wherever blackberries can be grown in Texas. Due to the fruit’s fragile nature, boysenberry production in Texas primarily is limited to jam and preserve production. Smaller organic farms that grow blackberries, however, do sometimes have boysenberries, but it is very rare to find fresh boysenberries outside of farmers’ markets.

Boysenberries are also popular with home growers that have tried the berries and are willing to put in the extra effort to raise them.

Pesticides:

The main pesticide/chemical that is known as a “Bad Actor” or has been proven to have harmful effects, when it comes to boysenberry farming is Glyphosate, isopropylamine salt. Due to the rarity of the boysenberry as a fresh fruit product, the possibility of coming across non-organic boysenberries in farmers’ markets is very low.

Geography:

The boysenberry can be grown and can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. They require well-drained soil as their roots are very susceptible to rot. The soil can be anything from loam, sandy, or clay-rich as long as the pH level is 5.8-6.5. Boysenberries also require full sunshine for them to fruit properly.

Packaging:

Commercially grown boysenberries are rarely sold in their fresh fruit form, but in the event that they are sold as fresh fruit, they are packed in extra-strong plastic clamshell boxes that protect the fruit from bruising and damage.

Boysenberries are usually individually flash-frozen and packed in freezer-safe bags for year-round commercial availability.

Enjoying Boysenberries

To consume fresh boysenberries, simply give them a quick rinse under cool running water and enjoy.

Storage:

Boysenberries are incredibly fragile, and they should be consumed immediately. The fruit can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, but make sure to remove any damaged or bruised boysenberries before storing them.

Tip: Only wash boysenberries right before consuming them. Don’t wash them before storing them.

Boysenberries are best stored frozen. To freeze them, lay them out in a single layer to avoid clumping and sticking before transferring to a freezer-safe container once they are individually frozen.

Boysenberries can also be made into jams and preserves for longer-term storage.

Cooking:

Aside from being enjoyed raw and added to smoothies, boysenberries have gained fame through their use in pies, tarts, jams, and preserves. In fact, the boysenberry gained popularity as a preserve when it was introduced by Knotts Berry Farm back in the early 30s or 40s.

Nutrition:

• Carbs
  • The sugars in boysenberries are simple sugars which can give you a quick boost of energy when you need it.
  • Boysenberries also have a low glycemic index, which makes it safe for people with diabetes to enjoy.
• Fiber
  • A 100g serving of boysenberries can provide up to 20% of the RDI of fiber.
    • Fiber helps prevent constipation by making it easier to manage bowel movement.
    • Fiber also improves digestive health by flushing out gut toxins and allows good bacteria to thrive.
  • Vitamins and minerals:
    • Boysenberries contain around 30% RDI of folate, which is essential for pregnant women.
      • Folate is responsible for the development of neural tubes in the fetus as well as the formation of red blood cells. A folate deficiency can result in congenital fetal disabilities as well.
      • It has been recommended the pregnant women consume at least one serving of boysenberries to gain the maximum benefit from folate.
    • Boysenberries also provide 13% RDI of Vitamin K, which helps retain calcium in the body and protects against osteoporosis.
    • Boysenberries are also rich in antioxidants that protect the body from cancer-causing elements as well as oxidative stress.

When Are Boysenberries in Season in Texas?