But how can you tell a marionberry from a blackberry?

left to right: blackberries, marionberries, boysenberries

Sometime, even I confuse these berries.

But, with a little observation, the differences will stand out.

blackberries

Our blackberries look very much like a marionberry.

The flavor is very close to a marionberry.

They lack the 'ZING' flavor of a marionberry. 

And a blackberry is not as fragrant as a marionberry.

boysenberry

Notice the purple/ red under tones on the boysenberry?

And the flavor is a more tart/ less sweet taste.

marionberry

This is a marionberry.

Darker, smaller seed cell, sweet smelling and sweet tasting.

And they only grow in Willamette Valley!

Some farm stands pass off their blackberries as marionberries.

(Easy to fool the customer.)

 Our marionberries are certified by the state of Oregon to be authentic marionberries.

And all of these berries are ready to be picked.

The price is $1.95 a pound for you pick

or $3.00 for ready picked fruit.

This weekend is a good time to come out to Sauvie Island, pick a few berries and head on over to the Blue Heron Herbary for the Lavender Festival.

Need some ideas for all those berries you are going to pick?

How about this BBQ sauce.

Or how about a simple dessert recipe for berries and cream.

Or how about these mufffins. Simply substitute marionberries for the blueberries.

I hope your week is wonderful!

Diane