Marionberry
An Oregon original, the marionberry was developed in the 1950s by crossing a chehalem blackberry with a red raspberry. Often called the "Cabernet of blackberries," marionberries have a complex, wine-like flavor that distinguishes them as one of the finest brambles.
Marionberries are the most complex of the hybrid brambles — dark purple-black with a rich, wine-like flavor balanced by subtle tartness. The berries are large and plump, with a soft but structured texture. When fresh, they practically melt on the tongue.
The flavor evolves as they cook — jam takes on a deep burgundy color and almost leather-like complexity that improves with age. Many consider marionberry jam the finest bramble preserve.
Marionberries peak in July and August, mostly from Oregon. They're more widely available than loganberries but less common than blackberries and raspberries. Seek them at farmers' markets and specialty grocers, especially in the Pacific Northwest.
Choose deeply colored, large berries. Marionberries should yield slightly to pressure but hold their shape — they're delicate but less fragile than raspberries.
Jam
Marionberry jam is arguably the finest bramble preserve — deep, complex, and improving with age.
Wine
Marionberry wine has a sophisticated character that wine enthusiasts prize — sometimes called 'Cabernet of berries.'
Pie & Cobbler
The large size and flavor complexity create extraordinary pies. Pairs beautifully with cream.
Preservation
The firm texture makes marionberries ideal for freezing, canning, and long-term storage.
Marionberries keep well for 4–5 days refrigerated. They freeze beautifully and are available frozen year-round in most supermarkets. The firm texture and complex flavor make them ideal for jam — marionberry preserves improve significantly with a year of aging.
Developed at Oregon State University and named after Marion County, the marionberry became an iconic symbol of Oregon's agricultural heritage. Oregon produces nearly the entirety of commercially available marionberries and proudly celebrates the berry as a state treasure.