Our Berries

Berries are nature's Number One source of antioxidants. Antioxidants fight against the free radicals that cause ageing and disease, as well as attacking our immune system. It is important to eat plenty of berries so that you have enough antioxidants to fight off the flu, colds, wrinkles, cancers and cardiovascular disease.

Strawberries

The appearance of the first strawberries is a sure sign that summer is on its way. In Roman times strawberries were a symbol of love due to their heart shape.  The variety of strawberry we grow is Camarosa - a cultivar from California. Strawberries have 6 times more Vitamin C than an orange!

Ready from October to January

Strawberries at Julians Berry Farm

Blackberries

The Karaka blackberry is a hybrid berry achieved by crossing two varieties in the New Zealand hybrid breeding programme. It has an old fashioned Blackberry taste, is easy to pick and has an outstanding shelf life, which makes it suitable for the fresh berry market.

Available frozen.

Blackberries at Julians Berry Farm

Boysenberries

Boysenberries were named after Rudolph Boysen who discovered the plant in 1920 in a ditch. Walter Knott named the plant and sold Boysenberries in his road side stall, along with pies and preserves. This went on to become Knotts Berry Farm Amusement park with roller coaster rides and water slides... ‘America’s first amusement park’.

Ready December to early January.

Boysenberries at Julians Berry Farm

Raspberries

Raspberries are part of the rose family and originated from Eastern Asia. The red raspberry may have been brought to North America by prehistoric people who crossed the Bering straight. Raspberries have been part of our diet ever since. The leaves have medicinal properties and are used in teas to soothe the digestive system and to help soothe menstrual cramps

Raspberries are available from November to January

Raspberries  at Julians Berry Farm

Ranui Berries

The Ranui Berry is a hybrid berry achieved by crossing Auroraberry and Marionberry in the New Zealand breeding programme. The result is a sweet and juicy Blackberry: one of our favourites.

Ready late November – has a short 3 week season.

Ranui Berries at Julians Berry Farm

Kotataberries

The Kotataberry is a hybrid berry achieved by crossing Boysenberry, Wildberry and Loganberry in the USA breeding programme.

Ready after Christmas.

Kotataberries at Julians Berry Farm

Blueberries

Blueberries are native to North America and Eastern Asia. There are three species: Low Bush, High Bush and Rabbiteye. In New Zealand we grow High Bush and Rabbiteye. Low Bush varieties are common in the wilds of North America, and the plants are the size of a Bic pen. They account for over half of the world’s Blueberry production.

Ready November to February.

Blueberries at Julians Berry Farm

Black Currants

Blackcurrants are native to Europe and North Asia. The growing of Blackcurrants was encouraged by the UK government in World War Two as a source of vitamin C, as other fruits were difficult to source.

Available after Christmas.

Black Currants at Julians Berry Farm

Cranberries

The cranberry is the cousin of the blueberry and found mostly in sandy bogs in the USA and Canada. They are valued for their ability to help prevent and treat urinary tract infections! Cranberries are very tart raw, so they're mostly used in drinks and sauces, or sweetened and dried. 

Available frozen.

Cranberries at Julians Berry Farm

Gooseberries

Native to Europe, NW Africa and Asia. Has been cultivated in Britain since the 13th century. Used mostly cooked in gooseberry crumble or pie or jam.

Available frozen.

Gooseberries at Julians Berry Farm

Red Currants

Member of the gooseberry family, usually found in western Europe. Has a tart flavour similar to the black currant but sweeter. Makes a lovely jelly to serve alongside lamb. Can be served raw in salads or drinks.

Available frozen.

Red Currants at Julians Berry Farm