Blackberry Varieties

Obsidian
Harvest Period:
Late June – Mid July
Flavor: High quality, delicious flavor
Size/Color: Large, elongated, glossy dark berry
Introduced: 2005
Origin: Oregon State University
Special Characteristics: Cross between Marion and Olallie blackberries, ripens earlier, keeps well and has fewer seeds than most blackberries
Best Use: Fresh eating, freezing or processing

Kotata
Harvest Period:
Early July – Late July
Flavor: Slightly tart, flavorful berries
Size/Color: Large, light blue berry
Introduced: 1984
Origin: Oregon-bred from wild PNW Blackberry, Eastern US Blackberry, Loganberry and Boysenberry
Special Characteristics: Berries are often reddish on one side (called ‘red backs’) when picked before fully ripe
Best Use: Fresh eating, baking, freezing or processing

Marionberry
Harvest Period:
Early July – Late July
Flavor: Earthy, distinctive flavor, sweet when fully ripe
Size/Color: Medium-large, dark black, shiny berry
Introduced: 1956
Origin: Oregon-bred cross between Chehalem and Olallie blackberries
Special Characteristics: Named for Marion County, Oregon and Marionberry Pie has been named the official state pie of Oregon
Best Use: Fresh eating, baking, freezing, processing

Boysenberry
Harvest Period:
Early July – Late July
Flavor: Earthy, distinctive flavor, sweet when fully ripe
Size/Color: Medium-large, dark black, shiny berry
Introduced: 1956
Origin: Oregon-bred cross between Chehalem and Olallie blackberries
Special Characteristics: Named for Marion County, Oregon and Marionberry Pie has been named the official state pie of Oregon
Best Use: Fresh eating, baking, freezing, processing

Chester
Harvest Period:
Late July – August
Flavor: Earthy, distinctive flavor, sweet when fully ripe
Size/Color: Medium-large, dark black, shiny berry
Introduced: 1956
Origin: Oregon-bred cross between Chehalem and Olallie blackberries
Special Characteristics: Named for Marion County, Oregon and Marionberry Pie has been named the official state pie of Oregon
Best Use: Fresh eating, baking, freezing, processing

Triple Crown
Harvest Period:
Late July – August
Flavor: Earthy, distinctive flavor, sweet when fully ripe
Size/Color: Medium-large, dark black, shiny berry
Introduced: 1956
Origin: Oregon-bred cross between Chehalem and Olallie blackberries
Special Characteristics: Named for Marion County, Oregon and Marionberry Pie has been named the official state pie of Oregon
Best Use: Fresh eating, baking, freezing, processing
