The annual celebration of the locally-born fruit starts March 13 in Buena Park
They arrived in all shades of purple and riddled with flair. Some folks that came to sample the offerings from Knott’s Berry Farm’s upcoming Boysenberry Festival rocked little Betty Boysen plushies on their shoulders, some were sporting adorably hand knit pie-shaped caps and one woman literally wore a raspberry (or I guess in this case, Boysenberry) beret.
Tasting the offerings from the Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry FestivalCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols
Reuben Ball with Boysenberry Thousand IslandCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols
The Knott’s adults were out in full force at a preview of the sweet treats and savory bites that will hit the Buena Park landmark starting March 13. Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is the annual celebration of the fruit that started the whole enterprise. If it were not for the tenacity of horticulturist Rudolph Boysen (still grown today by his grandkids!) and farmer-turned-theme park entrepreneur Walter Knott, the world would never know the unique taste of the hybrid blackberry, raspberry, and loganberry spawned from the Orange County soil.
Walter and Cordelia Knott a their original Buena Park Boysenberry standCredit: Photo courtesy Knott’s Berry Farm
For thirty-one days, visitors to the park will have the opportunity to taste dozens of dishes infused with the sweet berry. Local crafters have created themed wares, live music is on the schedule along with musical stage shows and fun stuff for kids. Some of the dishes are completely new and out-of-this-world combinations like Boysenberry Beef Brisket over Mac and Cheese, a dense and decadent sweet, savory and rich entree that might fill you up before you’ve finished your plate. Some came from someplace beyond. Reuben sandwiches are a deli staple but who ever imagined one rolled up into a deep-fried ball and dunked in Boysenberry Thousand Island dressing? Now that’s the kind of American innovation that would make Walter Knott proud.
Sweet treats at the Knott’s Boysenberry FestivalCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols
Boysenberry and Blood Orange Lemonade at Knott’s Berry FarmCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols
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With so many colorfully dipped and drizzled treats on the table, we noted how the park also tried to offer healthier items like Boysenberry glazed cod with kale quinoa and some tailored for those with allergies or dietary restrictions. But I must say that there were still plenty of vegan, gluten-free cheesecakes available while the five-layer boysenberry shortcake sushi served with chopsticks was flying off the rack.
Boysenberry and Ginger Soy Glazed Cod over Kale QuinoaCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols
Cordelia Knott making Boysenberry pieCredit: Courtesy OC Archives
A Boysenberry Festival tasting card that allows six bites is available for $55, which is comparable to the pricing at the Disney California Adventure’s Food and Wine festival that’s going on just down the street. However, a Disney Park Hopper ticket is about four times the price of admission to Knott’s – and I didn’t see one Boysenberry on their menu.
Boysenberry SnoopyCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols