It’s hard to believe that a little hybrid berry could make such a major impact. Yet, who knows where California’s first theme park would be without the Boysenberry? Today I’m sharing all about what a Boysenberry is, why you should celebrate at Knott’s Boysenberry Festival. Plus, I also have a homemade Boysenberry ice cream recipe in case you can’t make it to the park to celebrate!
what is a Boysenberry?
A Boysenberry is a cross between a Loganberry, Raspberry, and Blackberry. Walter Knott could have named this hybrid berry for himself as it’s thanks to him that it became what it is today. However, he consulted with the US Government Bureau of Plant Industries. They decided to name it for the horticulturist who invented it. Rudolf Boysen was a Swedish immigrant who loved experimenting with cross-breeds of flowers and berry plants. Due to Walter Knott’s perseverance with Boysen’s berry, every Boysenberry plant in the world is descended from Knott’s farm in Buena Park, California.
boysenberry ice cream recipe
This Boysenberry ice cream recipe incorporates the Boysenberry Punch Concentrate you can buy at the parks or online and fresh berries. If you can’t make it to the Boysenberry Festival at Knott’s you can still enjoy a treat at home. But make sure you mark you calendar and make plans for next year! You definitely don’t want to miss this food and wine festival at California’s first theme park.
This Boysenberry ice cream is light and refreshing–perfect for spring and summer!
- 1 cup milk chilled, whole milk is best.
- ¾ cup granulated white sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 6 tsp Boysenberry Concentrate can adjust to taste.
- 1 cup cut up Boysenberries can use blackberries if Boysenberries aren't available.
-
Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to combine milk and sugar until sugar is dissolved.
-
Stir in heavy cream and Boysenberry Concentrate to taste.
-
Pour ingredients into your ice cream maker and mix until nearly set up. Stir in cut up Boysenberries.
-
Eat immediately for a soft serve consistency or freeze for several hours or overnight to firm up more.
celebrating at the Boysenberry Festival
As part of his marketing genius, Walter Knott started a “Taste of Boysenberry Festival” back when the Boysenberry was first introduced. This was the perfect way to introduce this delicious hybrid berry to the public. The Boysenberry quickly became popular with the public thanks to its flavor and larger-than normal size.
| Read: Seasons of Fun at Knott’s Berry Farm |
Today, the Boysenberry Festival is a must-attend food and wine festival. There is delicious food, limited edition merchandise, and fun shows that the whole family will love. Unique and seasonal offerings can be purchased a la carte or with a festival tasting card. More information for the Boysenberry Festival can be found here.
Have you ever tried a Boysenberry before? What is your favorite way to enjoy them?
