Loganberry
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The loganberry (Rubus loganobaccus) is a hybrid produced from crossing a blackberry and a raspberry.
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Origin
The loganberry's origins remain in controversy--it might be a red-fruiting form of the common Californian blackberry, Rubus ursinus vitifolius, or it may have been derived from a cross between the Red Antwerp raspberry and the American blackberry Aughinburgh. It may have also been created in 1881 in Logan Heights near Santa Cruz, California by the American lawyer and horticulturist James Harvey Logan (1841-1928). It is believed that while attempting to cross two varieties of blackberries, he accidently planted them next to an old variety of red raspberry, all of which fruited and flowered together. Logan planted the seed and the result was the Loganberry. Some of the seeds produced the Mammoth Blackberry, the longest berry. 1
There have been subsequent attempts at repeating this cross, and while some have produced similar berries, none have quite replicated the Loganberry. The Loganberry has been used as a parent in more recent crosses, such as Boysenberry, Youngberry and Olallieberry.
Logan's original was introduced to Europe in 1897, while the 'American Thornless', a prickle-free mutation, was developed in 1933.
Growing
Loganberries_in_blossom.jpg
Loganberry plants are sturdy and more disease and frost resistant than many other berries. However, they are not very popular with commercial growers due to labour costs and are therefore usually kept in domestic gardens. Like its blackberry parent, it can be undisciplined in its growth. If it is not correctly pruned, it can produce blackberry 'sports'. Old canes die after their second year and should be cut away as they can bring disease, and hinder harvesting. Because it has thorns, it can also be difficult to harvest. They may also be hard to find, as some berries tend to be hidden by their leaves. Additionally, berries of varying maturity may grow on a single plant, making it difficult to completely harvest one. This photograph shows loganberries in blossom above others in fruit. The fruit starts green (as shown on the left), then red (as shown above) and finally a deep purple.
Harvest
Loganberries fruits late in the year, August to September (blackberries, however, fruit later). Plants continue to fruit for around 15 years. They can self-propagate. Each bush can produce 7kg to 8kg per bush, where each bush has about ten canes. Some gardners train the canes fanwise along a wall or a wire frame.
The berries are generally harvested when they are a deep purple colour, rather than the red shown in the illustration above.
Uses
Loganberries may be eaten without preparation as well as an ingredient in jams, pies, and varieties of country wine. Another use, common to Southern Ontario and Western New York, is the Loganberry Drink. While the Loganberry is primarily harvested in the Western United States, those common with the plant were unaware that a niche market existed for a Loganberry derived drink out east. Local lore says that the loganberry drink was originally developed by entrepreneurs in the late 1800's at Crystal Beach, a local summertime resort, and one time amusement park, in Southern Ontario. The drink continued to be served throughout the years at the amusement park and evidently is still produced there. However, the most popular version is Aunt Rosie's, which is commonly enjoyed in Western New York. Aunt Rosie's is distributed by the local Pepsi Cola Bottling operation out of Buffalo and is found in local resturants and establishments, and may also be purchased in it's syrup form in local supermarkets for use at home.
Footnotes
{{fnb|1} Memoirs, Horticultural Society of New York (1902), edited by F. W. Burbidge, "The Loganberry and the Mammoth blackberry are the only plants of any value that I have originated" - J. H. LOGAN. Santa Cruz, Cal. (reproduced on talk page)de:Loganbeere fr:Mūroise