What does loganberry mean?
A loganberry is a reddish-purple, elongated aggregate fruit with a tart flavour, closely related to raspberries and blackberries. It is associated especially with the Pacific Northwest of North America, where it became a familiar garden fruit and an important ingredient in jams, preserves, pies and other desserts. The bramble that bears the fruit is also called a loganberry, and the berries are commonly sold fresh or frozen. Although the loganberry is often described as a hybrid of blackberry and raspberry, genetic research indicates that it is a distinct species rather than a simple cross between the two. Its unusual colour, elongated shape and sharp flavour make it readily recognizable, while its regional history distinguishes it from more widespread berries. The name honours Oregon horticulturist Ray Logan, who cultivated the fruit during the nineteenth century.
nounA loganberry is the edible, reddish-purple aggregate fruit of a bramble, valued for its tart flavour. The term can also refer to the bramble itself, which bears the fruit.
- The edible reddish-purple aggregate fruit of the loganberry bramble.
- The bramble or shrub that produces loganberries.
"She spooned bright loganberry jam onto her toast."
"Loganberries are especially popular in jams, preserves and pies."
"The loganberry canes grew thickly along the fence, heavy with ripe fruit."
The standard plural adds -ies to the final stressed syllable.
"We picked several baskets of loganberries at the farm."
The loganberry is often called a blackberry-raspberry hybrid, but genetic research indicates that it is a distinct species rather than a simple hybrid.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does loganberry come from?
The English name is a compound of the surname Logan and the noun berry. It was given in the United States during the nineteenth century for Ray Logan, an Oregon horticulturist who cultivated the fruit near Salem. The plant subsequently became established in the Pacific Northwest, where it was grown commercially and became a familiar regional fruit.
How loganberry is actually used
The word is most familiar in American and Canadian English, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. It is sometimes incorrectly described as a blackberry-raspberry hybrid; genetic evidence indicates that the loganberry is a distinct, diploid species.
Easily confused with loganberry
A loganberry is generally larger, more elongated and redder than the familiar raspberry, although both are aggregate fruits of closely related brambles.
A ripe loganberry is reddish-purple and tastes tarter than the typically dark-purple or black fruit of a blackberry.