Fresh Frozen Boysenberries
If you thought raspberries and blackberries were juicy, meet the boysenberry. This plump, sweet-tart fruit takes juiciness to a completely new level. This is not by chance.
This large, dark purple, juicy and intense berry derives its distinctive flavor from its complex ancestry. It is actually a hybrid fruit named after its creator, a Swedish berry horticulturist named Charles Rudolf Boysen, who in 1923 successfully crossbred European blackberries and raspberries with American dewberries and loganberries, and voila! created today’s boysenberries.
They are often described as having the rich, earthy taste of blackberries with the floral undertones and sweetness of raspberries.
While the biggest producer and exporter of boysenberries is New Zealand, it is also grown closer to home. Our boysenberries are grown and picked in the Pacific Northwest each summer at their peak of ripeness. The boysenberries are then flash frozen to lock in their wonderfully complex flavor. Order our frozen boysenberries online and have them shipped frozen to your door.
Tell me more about boysenberries
Boysenberries are large, dark purple berries with a reddish sheen when ripe. They resemble blackberries but are slightly larger and have a smoother, shinier skin. They are in season during the summer months, usually from June to August in the Northern Hemisphere.
Boysenberries are versatile and can be used in various culinary applications. They are delicious eaten fresh, added to fruit salads, or used in desserts like pies, cobblers, and jams. They also make flavorful additions to sauces and syrups. They can also add a touch of sweet tartness to dessert offerings, yogurt, and smoothies.
Boysenberries are not only celebrated for their tantalizingly sweet-tart flavor but also for their impressive nutritional composition. These luscious berries boast a rich array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants; they are a good source of healthy fiber, yet they are low in calories and fat, making them a potent addition to any diet.
Nutritional Benefits
Low in Calories and Fat
Boysenberries are a low calorie food, making them an ideal choice for those mindful of their daily caloric intake. A 100-gram serving (3.6 oz.) of these berries contains only 43 calories, which makes them very attractive for calorie-conscious individuals. Their low fat content ensures a low-calorie, heart-healthy addition to any diet.
Rich in Fiber and Low in Carbs
Fiber, another essential component of a healthy diet, is present in significant quantities, with 100 grams of boysenberries offering 5.3 grams of dietary fiber. This fiber content aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Since their fiber content represents over half of their total carbohydrates (9.6 grams), boysenberries are also low in “net” carbs. Therefore, the amount of carbohydrate they contain, which will metabolize to glucose is minimal. For this reason, boysenberries are an excellent choice of fruit for anyone following a low-carb way of eating.
Vitamins and Minerals
Boysenberries provide a variety of vitamins and minerals. The main vitamins in boysenberry are vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, Folate, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B1, and vitamin A
From a mineral perspective, boysenberry contains high amounts of manganese, copper, and magnesium; as well as smaller, but significant amounts of potassium, zinc, iron, calcium, and phosphorus.
DV = Recommended Daily Intake
|
Vitamin Profile For Fresh Boysenberries per 100g (3.6 oz.) serving |
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|
Vitamin |
Amount |
% DV |
|
Vitamin C |
21.0 mg |
35.0 % |
|
Vitamin K |
19.8 mcg |
24.8 % |
|
Vitamin E |
1.43 mg |
7.1 % |
|
Folate (B9) |
25.0 mcg |
6.3 % |
|
Niacin (B3) |
0.65 mg |
3.2 % |
|
Pantothenic acid (B5) |
0.28 mg |
2.8 % |
|
Riboflavin (B2) |
0.03 mg |
1.5 % |
|
Pyridoxine (B6) |
0.03 mg |
1.5 % |
|
Thiamin (B1) |
0.02 mg |
1.3 % |
|
Vitamin A |
10.7 mcg RAE |
1.2 % |
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Mineral Profile For Fresh Boysenberries (per 100g) |
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|
Mineral |
Amount |
% DV |
|
Manganese |
0.65 mg |
32.3 % |
|
Copper |
0.17 mg |
8.3 % |
|
Magnesium |
20.0 mg |
5.0 % |
|
Potassium |
162.0 mg |
4.6 % |
|
Zinc |
0.53 mg |
3.5 % |
|
Iron |
0.62 mg |
3.4 % |
|
Calcium |
29.0 mg |
2.9 % |
|
Phosphorus |
22.0 mg |
2.2 % |
Antioxidants and Phytochemicals
Boysenberries offer an impressive range of antioxidants and phytochemicals, such as anthocyanins, quercetin, and ellagic acid, providing a myriad of health benefits. These compounds act as defenders against oxidative stress and inflammation, which are both associated with chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Of these, anthocyanins stand out for their potential to enhance cognitive function, promote heart health, and lower the risk of chronic ailments. Quercetin, another flavonoid found in boysenberries, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to overall wellness. Additionally, ellagic acid, another phytochemical present in boysenberries, may possess anticancer properties and support skin health.
The Many Health Benefits of Boysenberries
Enhanced Heart Health
The antioxidants found in boysenberries, particularly anthocyanins, as well as vitamin C; help improve heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving blood vessel function. Consuming boysenberries regularly as part of a balanced diet may contribute to a lower risk of heart disease.
Another reason for this cardiovascular benefit is the great potassium-sodium ratio. It contains 183 mg of potassium, compared to 1.3 mg of sodium. This helps blood vessels to relax and reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
Supports Cognitive Health and Brain Function
Boysenberries are very beneficial for brain health. This is due to the antioxidant anthocyanin, which is protective against oxidative damage, boost memory, and prevent Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. Other nutrients in boysenberry that are beneficial for brain health include folate and potassium. Potassium has been found to increase blood flow to the brain and enhance concentration, neural activity, and cognition. The vitamin B6 in boysenberry is also beneficial for those with depression.
Boosts Immune Function
Boysenberries are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system. Vitamin C helps boost the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases. Including boysenberries in your diet can help strengthen your immune defenses and the hastening of the body’s convalescent processes.
Inflammation Reduction / Cancer-fighting Champ
Some studies suggest that the antioxidants and phytonutrients found in boysenberries may have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
The anti-inflammatory properties of boysenberries also help boost immunity and fight and prevent different types of cancer, such as malignant esophageal and colorectal tumors.
Bone Health Enhancement
Boysenberries are a good source of vitamin K, which plays an indispensable role in bone mineralization and overall bone density by retaining calcium in the bone matrix, thereby decreasing the risk for osteoporosis. Sufficient vitamin K consumption may also reduce urinary excretion of calcium.
Aids in Digestive Health
Boysenberries are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Fiber promotes regular bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome. A diet high in fiber may also reduce the risk of conditions like diverticulitis and colon cancer.
Diabetes Management
Boysenberries not only have a moderate glycemic index, but a high fiber content, making them a valuable choice for managing blood sugar levels. This especially relevant in the context of diabetes management. Their high fiber content effectively regulates the absorption of sugars, preventing the treacherous peaks and valleys in blood sugar levels that can be perilous for those battling diabetes.
Eye Health and Vision Protection
Boysenberries contain vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision, as well as antioxidants which also protect against age-related vision ailments by combating oxidative damage.
Enhanced Wound Healing
The high vitamin C content in boysenberries plays an important role in tissue repair and collagen synthesis, aiding in wound healing and promoting faster recovery.
Healthy Skin
Boysenberries are a bountiful source of vitamin C, which helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and UV radiation, contributing significantly to the pursuit of vibrant, youthful skin. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen. This structural protein, found in abundance within the skin’s matrix, bestows it with elasticity and resilience. Collagen production is a pivotal factor in the battle against premature aging.
Weight Management and Satiety
Boysenberries are relatively low in calories and fat but high in fiber, making them a filling and satisfying snack option. Including boysenberries in your diet can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake, which may support weight management and healthy weight loss.
A last word....
Overall, boysenberries are a nutritious and delicious fruit that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. Incorporating them into your meals and snacks can provide a wide range of health benefits and contribute to overall well-being.
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Resources Used for NWWF Blog #28: Fresh Frozen Boysenberries
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/boysenberry/
https://www.foodandwine.com/fruits/berries/everything-you-need-know-about-boysenberries
https://gardenerspath.com/plants/fruit/boysenberry-benefits/
https://www.howtoripe.com/health-benefits-of-eating-boysenberry/#google_vignette
https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/natural-health/7-health-benefits-of-boysenberries
https://draxe.com/nutrition/boysenberry/
https://www.nutritionadvance.com/boysenberries-nutrition-benefits/