The familiar Oregon Marionberry is a hybrid cross of Chehalem and Olallie blackberries. The distinctive flavor of the Marion comes from the tangy and complex flavors of the Chehalem, a firm and tart blackberry about half the size of the Marion. Chehalems are no longer grown commercially. I was only able to obtain plant starts from the US Dept. of Agriculture Germplasm Center. They partner with Agricultural Colleges to preserve important historical cultivars. By blending Marionberries with our Chehalem blackberries we get a richer more flavorful jam that some describe as Marionberry jam on steroids. My favorite, bagels with goat cheese and jam.
