How to make FRIENDS with Boysenberries
For the Miguel family (my side of the family) fruit is of the utmost importance. We grew up with a dad/grandpa that picked fruit and peeled it with his pocket knife for us to share. Boysenberries are by far our favorite especially when made into a pie. When all 50 of us get together you better not hesitate because the pie will be gone before you know it.
What is a boysenberry? A boysenberry is a cross between a blackberry, loganberry and a red raspberry. The boysenberry was developed in the early 1920s by horticulturist Rudolph Boysen of Anaheim, California, who later turned it over to farmer Walter Knott for commercial development (Knott’s Berry Farm).
A single plant produces an abundance of fruit and thrives in California’s central valley. I have 5 plants currently in my garden. They ripen in May, and I have to pick daily (or my worker bees ) They produce for approximately six weeks. The bushes are mean with large thorns and the berries will stain your hands. Long sleeves and gloves are a must.
This year I harvested about 150 cups of berries. They are very delicate and have a short shelf life. I wash them once picked, divide them into four cups, place in a quart size bag and freeze. This is the best way to preserve them and four cups is just right for a cobbler, pie, or a batch of jam.
I planted my plants about 4 years ago and a year later I had an abundance of berries. You can find bare root plants at your local nursery. In my area the Greenery in Turlock would be my first stop. They need to be planted somewhere they can trellis. My berries grow on the fence in my garden.
Photography Credit: Elise Bauer
Here is our family favorite boysenberry cobbler recipe that will be sure to please when served hot and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum! I also make lots of boysenberry jam and syrup. This year I shared my stash with friends and clients. There is nothing better than homemade and homegrown and it will keep your friends coming back for more :)
Boysenberry Cobbler
ingredients:
- 4 cups BOYSENBERRIES
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1 TB Corn Starch
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
- 3 TB Shortening
- 1 cup Flour
- 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 TB Sugar
- 1/2 cup Milk
instructions:
How to cook Boysenberry Cobbler
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Place berries, 1/2 cup sugar, corn starch, and lemon juice in a pot. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Pour into an 8 x 8 dish.
- Mix the remainder of the ingredients together and drop by spoonfuls on berries.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Enjoy warm with ice cream :)
