Summer is here and this time of the year, it is the season of berries. This is the time when you will find yourself craving for these colorful berries, especially if you are a lover of fruit. You can find them in the market either fresh or frozen. The frozen berries come in various shapes and sizes and their flavor is just as amazing as the fresh ones. The berries that you will find in the market are the best when it comes to tasting and looking great. This is why many people prefer to purchase these berries in bulk and eat them straight from the freezer.
Summary Table
| Blackberry | Boysenberry |
| Can be found in North America | Native to Pacific Northwest of North America |
| Black color | Reddish color |
| Sweet flavor | Have a more tart flavor |
If you are also in the market for some of these berries, then you would also find yourself confused as to which one to purchase. There are so many types of berries that you can choose from and if you are not careful, then you might end up buying the wrong one.
They all have their own unique characteristics. Some of them are sweet, some are sour and some of them are bitter.
Blackberry and boysenberry are two of the most popular berries in the market. They are also used in many different types of desserts and food items. But what is the difference between these two berries? What makes them different from each other? Which one is better?
In this article, we will discuss these two berries in detail and explain the differences between them. You will also learn about the various uses of these berries.
So, without further ado, let us start with the first part of this article.
What is a Blackberry?
Blackberry is a common name for a group of about 50 species of the genus Rubus, native to North America, Central America and northwestern South America. The botanical name for blackberry is Rubus fruticosus. In other words, it is a perennial shrub that grows from 5-20 feet tall and bears small purple or black fruit. The fruit of blackberry is a drupe and it contains a single seed. It is also known as European blackberry, or North American blackberry.
Blackberry fruits are rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium and fiber. It is also rich in phenolic compounds, including ellagic acid, anthocyanins and anthocyanidins. Blackberry leaves are rich in flavonoids, terpenoids and tannins. They are used as a beverage, for making jams and jellies, for medicine and as a source of essential oils.
What is a Boysenberry?
Boysenberry is a small, red-fleshed, berry that belongs to the genus Vaccinium. It is native to North America and parts of Eurasia. The botanical name for boysenberry is Vaccinium erythrocarpum. It is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 1 meter tall and bears small red or black fruit. The fruit of boysenberry is a drupe and it contains one seed. It is also known as low bush blueberry, or high bush blueberry.
Boysenberry fruits are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. It is used in jams, jellies, juices, wines, and liqueurs. It is also used in the preparation of teas and salads. Boysenberry juice has also been found to have some medicinal properties. It is also used as a dye for hair dyes and skin creams.
How are They Related?
Blackberry and Boysenberry are related to each other because they belong to the same genus, Rubus. However, they are different species of this genus. Now, to understand the differences between these two berries, we need to know about the similarities between them.
So let’s start with the similarities.
- Appearance
Both blackberry and boysenberry are generally red in color. However, the blackberry has a more intense red color while the boysenberry has a less intense red color.
- Botany and Ecology
Both blackberry and boysenberry are also known as Rubus species. They belong to the genus Rubus, which contains many other different species of berries such as raspberry, dewberry, and loganberry.
Blackberry and boysenberry both originate from North America. However, they grow in different regions of the world. For example, blackberries grow in the forests of North America while boysenberries grow in forests of Europe. Blackberries are mainly found in forested areas while boysenberries are found in low-lying areas or open forests.
- Nutrition
Both blackberry and boysenberry are very rich in vitamin C. They also contain plenty of vitamin A, potassium, and calcium. They are also good sources of protein, iron, and fiber.
- Uses
Blackberry and boysenberry are both very useful. They are both used for making jams, jellies, wines, and other alcoholic beverages. They are also used for flavoring food items such as pies, ice cream, cakes, and other desserts. They are also used in the production of perfumes and soaps. They are also used in making medicines such as tablets and creams.
What are the Differences?
The two berries have a similar appearance. They are both small, black berries that have a very distinct smell. Now, let’s take a look at the two berries in detail and the differences between them.
- Native
Blackberry is a fruit that is native to North America. The name of the fruit comes from the fact that it has a black color. In North America, this fruit is used as a source of vitamin C. It is also a great source of antioxidants and other nutrients.
The Boysenberry is a fruit that is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. It has a reddish color and is usually found in late summer and early autumn. The Boysenberry is used as a source of vitamin C and potassium.
- Appearance
The Blackberry has a black color, while the Boysenberry has a reddish color. However, these two berries are very similar in size and shape. You can use the blackberry to make jams and jellies or to prepare pies, cakes, cookies, etc. The Boysenberry is also used to make jams and jellies but not as much as the blackberry.
- Flavor
Blackberries have a sweet flavor with a distinct smell, while the Boysenberries have a more tart flavor with less smell than the blackberries. The taste of both berries is quite similar but you will notice that there is no bitterness in the Boysenberries unlike in the blackberries. Both these berries are delicious when they are fresh but after that they lose their taste rapidly. Hence, it is better to consume them within 3-4 days of purchasing them for maximum enjoyment of their taste.
