Loganberry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loganberry |
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R. × loganobaccus
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| Rubus × loganobaccus L.H. Bailey
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The loganberry is a special kind of fruit that's a mix between a raspberry and a blackberry. It's called a hybrid because it has parents from two different types of plants. This unique berry was first discovered by accident in California in 1881 by a judge named James Harvey Logan.
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What is a Loganberry?
A loganberry is a fascinating example of a plant hybrid. Imagine taking the best parts of two different plants and combining them into a new one! That's what happened with the loganberry. It has the deep, dark color of a blackberry but often a slightly longer shape. It also has a unique tart and sweet flavor that's different from either parent.
A Hybrid Berry
A hybrid plant is like a mix of two different species. It happens when pollen from one plant fertilizes another, creating seeds for a new, unique plant. The loganberry is a cross between the European raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and the Pacific blackberry (Rubus ursinus). This makes it a very special fruit.
How the Loganberry Was Discovered
The story of the loganberry's discovery is quite interesting. It wasn't planned at all!
Judge Logan's Garden
In 1881, a judge named James Harvey Logan was growing different berries in his garden in Santa Cruz, California. He had both raspberries and blackberries. One day, he noticed a new, unusual plant growing among his other berries. It looked different from his usual raspberries and blackberries.
An Accidental Discovery
Judge Logan decided to let this new plant grow. When it produced fruit, he saw that the berries were unique. They were larger than raspberries and had a distinct flavor. He realized he had accidentally created a new type of berry! This new berry was later named the "loganberry" in his honor. It shows how amazing discoveries can happen by chance.
What Loganberries Look Like
Loganberries are quite easy to spot once you know what to look for.
The Plant
The loganberry plant grows like a vine, similar to a blackberry bush. It has thorny stems, so you need to be careful when picking the fruit. The leaves are green and have a slightly crinkled texture.
The Fruit
When ripe, loganberries are a deep reddish-purple color, almost black. They are usually longer and more cone-shaped than a typical raspberry. Each berry is made up of many small, juicy sections, just like raspberries and blackberries.
How Loganberries Are Used
Loganberries are enjoyed in many different ways because of their unique taste.
Eating Fresh
While they can be eaten fresh, loganberries are often quite tart. Some people enjoy their tangy flavor straight from the bush.
Cooking and Baking
Loganberries are excellent for cooking. Their tartness makes them perfect for jams, jellies, and pies. They also add a wonderful flavor to crumbles, tarts, and sauces. You can find them in fruit salads or as a topping for yogurt and ice cream.
Images for kids
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