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: Sweet-tart flavor shines with sugar added
Size/Color: Medium-sized, firm, glossy, deep purple-black berry
Introduced: 1984
Origin: Oregon-bred from wild PNW Blackberry, Eastern US Blackberry, Loganberry and Boysenberry
Special Characteristics: Berries are similar in appearance to Marion, but with their own distinct flavor
Best Use: Fresh eating, baking, freezing or processing

Marionberry
Harvest Period:
Early July – Mid 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 – Mid July
Flavor: Highly aromatic berry, bursting with flavor when fully ripe
Size/Color: Very large, deep maroon berry
Introduced: 1920s
Origin: California
Special Characteristics: Discovered by Knott’s Berry Farm owner and cultivated to modern popularity
Best Use: Fresh eating, freezing, processing

Chester
Harvest Period:
Late July – August
Flavor: Mild flavor, not too tart
Size/Color: Medium sized, roundish, deep black berry
Introduced: 1985
Origin: Illinois, Ohio and Maryland Cooperative Breeding Programs
Special Characteristics: Named for Dr. Chester Zych, a fruit researcher at University of Illinois
Best Use: Fresh eating, freezing, processing

Triple Crown
Harvest Period:
Late July – August
Flavor: Sweet, well-balanced flavor
Size/Color: Large, glossy, dark black berry with somewhat large seeds
Introduced: 1996
Origin: USDA Agricultural Research Station in Beltsville, Maryland
Special Characteristics: Thornless canes and abundant fruit make this a favorite for u-pick
Best Use: Fresh eating, freezing, processing
