Wow. You really like your boysenberries.

My story about the Ruby boysenberry appeared in the paper yesterday, and shoppers from as far away as Morro Bay and Torrance drove to Kingsburg to buy some. Gayle Willems (a.k.a. the "Berry Lady") says she couldn't believe how many folks showed up at her Berry Lady Farm Store.

The store was so busy that a reader even called me to double-check the phone numbers. She says she kept getting a busy signal or a voicemail-is-full message.

Part of the attraction is nostalgia for all boysenberries, a fruit that slowly became a rarity in California. But the Ruby has other draws: a subtle sweetness and reddish color unusual in boysens. Plus, Willems and her family are the only farmers bringing this fruit to supermarkets.

All of these factors prompted me to include the Ruby boysenberry in my "Taste This" series, which highlights crops special to the Valley.

But if you want a taste, don't wait. With temperatures poised to jump beyond 90 degrees -- and advance orders gobbling up supply -- Willems has revised her outlook for the Ruby. Instead of three weeks left in the season, there may only be one and a half. Details: (559) 897-0963 for store information. (559) 897-4605 to reserve Ruby boysenberries.

[photo credit: Mark Crosse, The Fresno Bee]