Marionberry history offers a peek into one of our most joyful taste sensations. Every year we look forward to marionberry season and the ripening of the dark bluish-black gems. They are a unique Oregon treat, a joy to pick, and even more fun to eat. We can’t imagine a world without marionberry pie, but this beautiful berry didn’t even exist until 1948! Let’s read more about the Oregon Marionberry.

Marionberries are to Oregon as apple pie is to America, and we just can't get enough of them. These juicy berries are the most common variety of blackberry grown in the state.
marionberry history
Oregon Dept. of Agriculture/flickr
Up to 33 million pounds are grown here every year.
In the 1940s, George F. Waldo worked at Oregon State University. He was hoping to create a blackberry that was hearty and large but also flavorful.
OSU Special Collections & Archives : Commons, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons
We find the Oregon marionberry history fascinating!
In 1948, he crossed a Chehalem blackberry with an Olallie blackberry...and the marionberry was born!
marionberry history
Brent Miller/flickr
The new berry's name literally came from where its roots began. Mr. Waldo tested his first plants in Marion County, so he named the berry "marionberry." It's sometimes called the Marion Blackberry.
Most of Oregon's marionberries are still grown in Marion County and the Willamette Valley. They're harvested from late June through August.
Oregon Dept. of Agriculture/flickr
Most large marionberry producers use mechanical harvesters like this one to get the berries off the canes. The huge machinery towers over the rows of canes, shaking them until the berries fall onto the catcher plates.

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Smaller farms offer marionberries for sale in pints during summer months. At some places, you can even pick your own. There's nothing better than a fresh marionberry, straight from the field!
marionberry history
Oregon State University/flickr
The marionberry has a distinct, complex flavor. It's larger and sweeter than other blackberry varieties, but has a tart finish.
In addition to eating them by the handful, there are many ways to enjoy marionberries. Buy some fresh jam, and enjoy the berries all throughout the winter months.
trpnblies7/flickr
Or stock your liquor cabinet with marionberry-infused whiskey.
Eastside Distilling
You can purchase some Marionberry Whiskey from Eastside Distilling. It's a delicious blend of Small Batch Bourbon and Pacific Northwest Marionberries. Read all about it on the Eastside Distilling website.
Of course, marionberry pie is the favorite with many Oregonians, and you can make your own, or find it at restaurants and bakeries all over the state.
marionberry history
Linda, Fortuna or Bust/flickr
Marionberries are full of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron, so they're good for you, too.
Tillamook Creamery, 4165 N Hwy 101, Tillamook, OR 97141, USA
Tillamook/Facebook
And Oregon's own Tillamook Creamery makes marionberry pie ice cream! Berries are mixed into vanilla ice cream, along with pieces of pie crust. It's indulgent and delicious!

More Marionberry history can be found on the Willamette Heritage website.  What is your favorite way to enjoy marionberries? Tell us in the comments below!

Read about canning and preserving berries along with some delicious recipes. And if you love indulging in the local cuisine, take a look at these 11 iconic Oregon foods that will have your mouth watering.

These Iconic Foods In Oregon Will Have Your Mouth Watering

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More to Explore

Festivals In Oregon

Carolyn Harmon | May 08, 2024

What are some of the best spring festivals in Oregon?

  • Holi Spring Festival (Portland): Listen to the cool mix of the DJ, and try your moves at a Bollywood and Bhangra dance. Lessons and demonstrations are available if you don't know how to dance. This annual event is an awesome party with farm animals, delicious food, and fresh produce from the farm.
  • McMenamins UFOfest (McMinnville): Every spring brings this out-of-this-world event to town. Folks are encouraged to dress up in creative alien outfits and participate in the outlandish parade, costume ball, and parties! This terrestrial event began in 1999 to remember the famous 1950 Trent UFO sighting in the area.
  • Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival (Woodburn): Just in time for the colorful tulips in bloom, this approximately month-long celebration attracts visitors from all over. Hot air balloons will be floating over the countryside which you can ride if you like. And make sure to compete in the 5K, 10K, or half marathon.

What are some of the best summer festivals in Oregon?

  • Fall Kite Festival (Lincoln City): The summer fun takes place on the beach at the D River State Recreation Site. Take part in this longstanding tradition or relax and watch as the sky fills with art.
  • World Beat Festival (Salem): Transport yourself to another country at this celebration of 70 nations' cultures, food, and traditions. See fire dances, dragon boat races, live music performances, and other exciting entertainment.

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