The Little-Known Story Of How The Marionberry Was Created In Oregon

Did you know that the marionberry is not a naturally occurring fruit? In fact, it is a cultivar of — which means it was cultivated from — the blackberry and was created in Oregon. Learn more about this delicious fruit!

This delicious dark purple fruit gets its name from Marion County, Oregon, where it was developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service breeding program at Oregon State University. The berries debuted in 1956 and the world has loved them ever since!

Marionberries are rich in fiber, vitamins C and A, and antioxidants.

Eating marionberries is good for your heart health and memory.

Marionberries are a cross between Chehalem and Olallieberry blackberries.

Many people find the flavor of the marionberry slightly sweeter than the blackberry.

Blackberries are actually an invasive species in the Pacific Northwest.

Grocery stores stock marionberries all summer long. You'll also find them at farmers' markets. There are also farms where you can buy or pick your own marionberries in the summer in Oregon.

One such farm is the Schmidt Family Farm in Hubbard, Oregon, which boasts 26 acres of this sweet burgundy fruit. This small farm has been cultivating marionberries and blueberries since 2005.

Smith Berry Farm in Hillsboro, Oregon, is another great spot for u-pick fruit, including marionberries, in the summer.

Smith Berry Farm also boasts a wonderful farm store where you can buy an abundant selection of freshly picked berries.

I love to take a medley of berries, such as marionberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, and bake them into a crisp and eat it warm topped with vanilla ice cream.

If you'd like to pick or purchase marionberries in Oregon, head to your local berry farm. Or check out the Smith Berry Barn Facebook page or the Schmit Family Farm website to find more information about marionberries at these Oregon farms.

If your visit to pick marionberries includes a drive, you may want to stock up on car-friendly snacks and/or bring a lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic areas.

Please leave a comment to let us know how you like marionberries and where you like to buy or pick them. What other foods grown in Oregon do you enjoy eating?