Oregon Berry Orgy

My annual flurry of Jan making in Eugene , Oregon was satisfying, even though after all these years I still have trouble getting some jams to set up. Some of those I will redo to firm them up and some I will leave loose and use as syrup.

This year I made:
Benton Strawberry
Raspberry
Black Cherry with Honey and Mint
Sylvanberry
Loganberry (my favorite)
Blackberry
Black Cap Raspberry
Boysenberry
Marionberry
Cherry with Honey and Filberts
Blueberry and Pinot Noir
Black Currant
and, of course, Brandied Cherries

The one berry I couldn’t find and will miss was the Tayberry, which is a cross between the Loganberry and the Black Raspberry. As much as I love all berries it is the ones in the middle of the Raspberry to Blackberry lineup that really make me swoon. The Tayberry, Loganberry and Boysenberry. Each one of these berries has such a unique flavor.

I hit the big farmers market in Eugene as soon as possible after arriving and am most anxious to see if I have arrived in time for Morels. Some years I have been able to get pounds, which I make into duxelles and freeze for the winter. That would be AFTER consuming a sauté pan full of whole morels. I prefer not to let anyone know I’m doing this, but sometimes I am forced to share. This year I was only able to get the last of one vendor’s supply- half a pound at most- which I went home and devoured. I was glad to see a new mushroom vendor coming with 5 or 6 varieties each week . I think my favorite of his was the Maitake.

Here is a photo of my front porch the last day in Eugene. Berry flats on the right, berry boxes in the middle and cases of jam and syrup on the left.