The Boysenberry, scientific name, Rubus ursinus var loganobaccus cv Boysenberry, is a hybrid aggregate fruit that was cultivated by cross pollinating the flowers of three other berries: raspberry, loganberry and the blackberry. It is named after its originator, Charles Rudolf Boysen.

The Boysenberry is a large bramble berry with many features that are direct reflections of its parentage. Its size, shape and color are similar to the blackberry, bold in size, oval shaped with onyx and ruby hues. Its flavor is rich, complex and sweet with just a hint of acid, similar to a loganberry. Although Boysenberry's sweetness can be attributed to the raspberry, unlike raspberries, the Boysenberry does not have a hallow center, as its fruit is produced directly from the plant's flowers.

Serving Ideas

Boysenberries can be used as you would blackberries in all applications. They are sweeter, therefore better for use alone with creams, in trifles, and to top fruit tarts. Complimentary pairings include coconuts, apricots, peaches, honey, rose, citrus, strawberries, raisins, hazelnut and hazelnut oil, exotic fruits, cardamon, cinnamon, mascarpone, fresh young cheeses, chicken, pork, chocolate, fino sherry and rum.

Geography/History

The Boysenberry was developed during the Great Depression by Rudolf Boysen, a Swedish immigrant and horticulturist who lived in the Napa Valley region of California. His first plant to bear fruit was in 1923. The Boysenberry would find commercial success under the growing guidance and development of farmer and berry "expert" Walter Knott of Knott's Berry Farm. The Boysenberry's popularity is the single most reason for making Knott's Berry Farm so famous. Boysenberries grow as trailing vines throughout the Western Coast of the United States and they have been naturalized in Northern New Zealand, where the fruit is grown for commercial export more than anywhere else in the world. Boysenberry bushes only bear fruit during the summer months and cannot tolerate soil that freezes.

Seasons/Availability

Boysenberries are typically available during late spring and early summer.