In Oregon, the short season for the Black raspberry is about to come to a close. The Black raspberry harvest only goes for about three weeks and Oregon growers say the Willamette Valley region is one of the only locations the berries are grown commercially in the United States. Jeff Malensky of Oregon Berry Packing, described the berry as a unique, niche item that is extremely sensitive - one of the reasons they are not cultivated on a broader scale.
"Black raspberries are more sensitive than a regular raspberry," he said. "They are extremely susceptible to weather and growing conditions. Any kind of heat minimizes the crop. Conversely, they are also sensitive to rain during the bloom time which would also diminish the crop."
However, Malensky said the end product is worth it. "What they do produce is incredible. Black raspberries are extremely high in antioxidants and other characteristics that are beneficial against certain diseases and cancers. At the same time, they have a wonderful tart-sweet flavor."
Midwest the primary market
Although the Black raspberry grows well in the conditions in Oregon, the Midwest is the primary market for the berries. Black raspberries do grow in the Midwest region, although the typical weather patterns there make it difficult for them to be grown commercially. Therefore, the berries simply grow in the wild and in suburban neighborhoods, where people who grow up with them are familiar with the berry and thus become the strongest consumers.
"Black raspberries are a very niche item," Malensky explained. "Although we grow them here in Oregon, the majority of our product is shipped to the Midwest. There is a market for Black raspberries there because people are familiar with them. It's definitely a premium item, with prices at the higher end of most berries. People who use Black raspberries love them for their unique flavor, and they are used for things like jams, ice cream, juices and pies."
He added that there is a very small market for fresh Black raspberries in local Oregon markets, but the delicate nature of the berry means they must be shipped frozen to any market outside of Oregon. "Because they are so sensitive, they have a very short shelf life and cannot be shipped fresh very far. Therefore, Black raspberries are usually quick-frozen whole in pails or barrels, but they are also available as a concentrate or puree."
For more information:
Jeff Malensky
Oregon Berry Packing
Ph: +1 (503) 640-4410
[email protected]
www.oregonberry.com