When springtime arrives, it’s time to celebrate the beloved boysenberry at Knott’s Berry Farm. If you’re not familiar with boysenberries, you need to try some right now. These berries are a cross between raspberries, blackberries, and loganberries. They’re known for being large, sweet, and delicious, with just the perfect amount of tart.
Boysenberries are not quite this large in real life, but you get the idea.
Boysenberry History
First, let’s start with some history. Grower Rudolph Boysen first created boysenberries in Northern California in the early 1920s, but he abandoned the project. Next, USDA horticulturalist George Darrow worked with farmer (and berry expert) Walter Knott of Buena Park to track them down. Eventually, Knott grew them in Southern California and became the first person to market them commercially. Today, most commercially grown berries appear in sauces or syrups. You may also them fresh at local or independent farms.
Grilled corn with boysenberry butter; wings with boysenberry barbecue sauce
Tasting Experiences
As the unofficial home of boysenberries, Knott’s Berry Farm celebrates this delicious berry every spring. Knott’s offers a series of spring-themed events for the family that include a variety of different tastings. At a recent Berry Bloom event, we had a chance to sample boysenberries with turkey legs, flank steak; butter and corn; “fried” ice cream; and waffles. Knott’s also served deep-fried alligator with boysenberry aioli – which the kids gobbled up.
Deep-fried alligator with boysenberry aioli
Next, we enjoyed a dessert buffet with more treats. Then we realized one thing: Nothing will ever compete with our love of Mrs. Knott’s good, old-fashioned boysenberry pie.
If you want to try these dishes for yourself, you can sample them at restaurants throughout Knott’s in the spring. And happily, boysenberry pie is available throughout the year.
Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA. Tickets and more information at www.knotts.com.
Hi! I'm Jeanne Fratello - a writer, reporter, and food enthusiast who is on a mission to write great stories about food and where your food comes from.
I havne’t had boysenberries in years!!! As a matter of fact… I don’t think my kids have ever had them. You’ve inspired me!
Thanks, Kim!
I am drooling over your goodies! Boysenberry goodness… oh why did I have to miss this?!!
We missed you, Laura!