Boysenberry : Berries with Benefits

Overview

What is Boysenberry?

Boysenberry is a plant’s fruit that is believed to be a cross between a blackberry and a raspberry. These fruits are comparatively large, deep maroon or reddish black, and have large seeds. Boysenberries are a delicious addition to the diet of any fruit lover thanks to their deep purple color and rich, sweet-tart flavor. In addition to being delicious, these berries have several health advantages.

The nutritional content of boysenberries, various health benefits, potential side effects, how to select fresh and ripe boysenberries, and precautions to consider when consuming them will all be covered in this article.

Key Facts

• Rudolph Boysen, a gardener from Anaheim, California, created the boysenberry in the early 1920s, giving it its name.¹Overview| Researched based study from Britannica.com
• Rubus ursinus × R. idaeus is its scientific name.
• They belong to the family Rosaceae, the family of roses²Overview| Researched based study from Rhs.org.uk
• Boysenberries can grow in Mediterranean, subtropical, or temperate regions.³Overview| Researched based study from Growplants.org

Nutrition

Nutritional values of Boysenberry

Due to their high concentration of necessary vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, boysenberries have an exceptional nutritional profile. Unsweetened, unthawed, one-cup serving (132 grams) of boysenberries ⁴Nutrition| Researched based study from Nutritionvalue.org contains:

• Water – 113.39 g
• Calories – 66 kcal
• Carbohydrates – 9.09 g
• Fat – 7 g
• Fiber – 1.6 g
• Protein – 1.45 g

Minerals

• Potassium – 183.48 mg
• Phosphorus – 35.64 mg
• Calcium – 35.64 mg
• Magnesium – 21.12 mg
• Sodium – 1.32 mg
• Iron – 1.12 mg
• Manganese – 0.72 mg
• Zinc – 0.29 mg
• Selenium – 0.26 µg
• Copper – 0.11 mg

Vitamins

• Vitamin C – 4.1 mg
• Thiamin – 0.07 mg
• Riboflavin – 0.049 mg
• Niacin – 1.012 mg
• Pantothenic acid – 0.330 mg
• Vitamin B6 – 0.074 mg
• Folate – 83.16 µg
• Vitamin A – 3.96 µg
• Vitamin E – 1.15 mg
• Vitamin K – 10.3 µg

Other nutrients

• Choline – 13.5 mg
• Lutein and zeaxanthin – 155.76 µg
• Beta carotene – 52.80 µg

Health benefits

Health benefits of Boysenberry

Boysenberry benefits are many for health and may include the following:

• Gives ample of antioxidants
• Enhances immunity
• Decreases blood pressure
• It helps improve cholesterol level
• Improves heart health
• Improves digestive health
• Prevents eye problems
• Fights against cancer

Excellent source of antioxidants

• Boysenberries are rich in antioxidants such anthocyanins, which are responsible for their vibrant color.
• They may help lower the risk of long-term illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological problems, by protecting the body from cellular damage by free radicals.
• A study found that boysenberry seed oil extract has the highest ability for oxygen radical absorption when compared to other cold-pressed oil extracts from marionberry, red raspberry, and blueberry.⁵Health benefits| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Enhances immunity

• Boysenberries are rich in vitamin C, which helps to maintain a healthy immune system by boosting white blood cell production and enhancing the body’s resistance to diseases and infections.⁶Health Benefits| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Improves blood pressure and cholesterol

• Berries’ anthocyanin helps individuals with high blood cholesterol levels by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving blood cholesterol levels.⁷Health Benefits| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Improves heart health

• Boysenberries are suitable for the heart because they are high in anthocyanins.⁸Health Benefits| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov ,⁹Health Benefits| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov
• The antioxidants and flavonoids in boysenberries may help lower the risk of heart disease by protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation, while their fiber content aids in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Improves digestive health

• Boysenberries’ high fiber content aids with regular bowel movements and prevents constipation, which supports a healthy digestive tract.¹⁰Health Benefits| Researched based study from Aoa.org
• In addition, the delicate natural sugars in boysenberries make them a good choice for those who experience stomach discomfort.

Prevents eye problems

• Boysenberries are full of minerals that are good for the eyes, including beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc, which lowers the chance of developing age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, two primary eye conditions.⁴Nutritionvalue.org| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov ,¹¹Health Benefits| Researched based study from Mayoclinic.org

Fights against cancer

• Boysenberries, like many other berries, contain significant amounts of ellagitannins and ellagic acid ¹²Health Benefits| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov and have been proven in studies they have the potential to prevent and fight against human cancer along with other medications. ¹³Health Benefits| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Usage

Usage of Boysenberry

Boysenberry culinary uses

• Boysenberry syrups, jams, and wine can be created from these berries or consumed raw.
• Boysenberry pies can also be made using it.
• Three simple ingredients—boysenberries, sugar, and lemon juice—can be used to make boysenberry syrups.
• For the finest flavor and quality, eat boysenberries soon after buying them.
• You can freeze boysenberries, thaw them out later, and utilize them like fresh berries.

How to choose them?

Look for Vibrant Colors

• Pick boysenberries that are a rich, deep purple color. Berry that is dull, discolored, or displays mold growth should not be consumed.

Firmness

• Gently press the berries to check for firmness. Ripe boysenberries should be plump and slightly soft without being mushy.

Fragrance

• A pleasant, fragrant scent is a reliable sign of ripe boysenberries. Berries with an unpleasant or sour aroma should be avoided.

Check the Container

• When buying boysenberries that have already been packaged, be sure the packaging is unbroken and dry because moisture might cause the fruit to rot.

Storage

• Boysenberries should be kept in the fridge, ideally in a shallow container or on a tray covered with paper towels to soak up extra moisture.

Side effects

Side effects of Boysenberry

Boysenberry side effects may include

• Swelling
• Itching
• Abdominal discomfort

Precautions

What precautions one should take while having Boysenberry

• Like any other berries from the same family, boysenberries may cause allergies in some people and people experiencing any allergic symptoms should immediately consult a doctor.
• If boysenberries were cultivated commercially, they might include pesticide residues like any other fruit. Choosing organic boysenberries and adequately washing and immersing them before eating is best to reduce the risk.
• Like other fruits, boysenberries have natural sugars. Boysenberries should only be consumed in moderation and accordance with a person’s diet plan if they have diabetes or are watching their blood sugar levels.
• They must be consumed fresh within a few days of purchase because the growing season is brief, and they aren’t very stable once picked.
• Within a few days following harvest, mature fruits might begin to rot and quickly spill juice.
• To avoid early spoilage, wait before washing the berries are ready to eat.

Bottom Line

The bottom line

Boysenberries are an ideal addition to any well-rounded diet because of their outstanding nutritional profile and various health advantages. However, it is essential to use caution and pay attention to possible allergic responses and blood sugar management for people with diabetes. Boysenberries have a delicious flavor and many health benefits, and people can enjoy them while reaping these benefits by choosing, preserving, and eating them according to the instructions.