Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Description/Taste
The Marionberry looks very similar to the common blackberry, but has a more elongated shape and is larger in size. It grows on trailing vines and long canes that can reach up to seven meters long. The berries are comprised of clusters of individual drupelets, or single seed-filled sacks, that surround a solid core. The Marionberry is said to have a superior flavor than other blackberry varieties. Offering flavors of concentrated black cherry, bramble fruits and pine with a pleasant acidity and a lingering sweetness.
Seasons/Availability
Marionberries are available in the late summer and fall.
Current Facts
Marionberries are a member of the Rubus genus and a common variety of blackberry that resulted from a cross between two Oregon blackberry hybrids, the Chehalm and Ollalie berries. They are classified as a caneberry along with blackberries and raspberries. Caneberries are a family of delicate berries that grow on tough but thin woody canes and thrive in a cool, moist climate. Marionberries have earned the name, ‘Cabernet of blackberries’ due to their complex, rich blackberry flavor.
Nutritional Value
Marionberries are high in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, calcium and fiber.
Applications
The generously sized Marionberries make a perfect snack, simply enjoyed fresh out-of-hand. They also freeze well, and due to their short season these hybrid blackberries are often sold already frozen or processed for preservation. Though they are a perfect berry for the typical jam, jelly, pie filling and baked good, do not overlook their savory quality. They reduce into an excellent sauce spiked with peppercorns and red wine to pair with pork chops, venison or duck. Balance a spicy poblano pepper puree with Marionberries in a pork belly taco. Use the juice in cocktails containing smoky mescal or a peaty scotch. Other flavor affinities include, coconuts, apricots, peaches, honey, rose, citrus, strawberries, raisins, hazelnut, cardamom, cinnamon, mascarpone, fresh young cheeses, poultry, wild game, pork, chocolate, fino sherry and rum.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Marionberries were named after the county in Oregon where they were developed, near Salem, Oregon.
Geography/History
Marionberries were developed in Corvallis, Oregon by the Agricultural Research and Development Program at Oregon State University. George F. Waldo began developing the Marionberry in 1945, but it wasn’t released and named until 1956. In fact, 90% of commercial Marionberries are still grown in Marion County near Salem, Oregon. Specializing in Marionberries, raspberries, blackberries, and boysenberries, the Willamette Valley in Oregon is considered the “Caneberry Capital of the World”.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Marionberries. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Cascadia Kitchen |
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Marionberry-Rhubarb Jam |
| One Perfect Bite |
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Marionberry Muffins |
