A State-by-State Guide to the Most Iconic Foods in America

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Oregon: Marionberry Pie

Oregon’s fruitful Willamette Valley is the birthplace of the marionberry – a hybrid blackberry so special, it has its very own iconic dessert: marionberry pie. Marionberries were developed in Oregon (named after Marion County) and are prized for their deep purple color, intense sweetness, and slightly tart, earthy flavor. They’re largely grown only in Oregon, which is why the rest of the country might not be as familiar with them. But every Oregonian knows and loves them, especially when they’re baked into a classic lattice-topped pie. A marionberry pie is similar in style to a blackberry or raspberry pie: heaps of fresh berries are tossed with a bit of sugar and maybe a touch of lemon and spice, then baked in a flaky pastry crust until bubbly. The result is a glossy, jammy filling bursting with berry flavor. All over Oregon, especially in the summer harvest season, you’ll find marionberry pies at diners, bakeries, and farm stands. Some people even venture out to U-pick farms in July and August to gather wild marionberries and bake their own. The pie’s popularity is such that marionberry confections (pies, jams, ice creams) are basically a symbol of Oregon’s local-first food scene. Enjoying a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is a must-do in Oregon – a sweet slice of state pride that you can literally taste.