Contributed by Info Guru Lindsay Shugerman
Oregon is one of the most diverse states when it comes to growing and making food. In fact, it’s hard to decide which tasty treat is the consummate Oregon taste. It was even hard to narrow it down to just ten!
But for you, oh hungry reader, I’ve done my best to take the wealth of Oregon food products and pick just a handful. Start here, enjoy, and then head northwest to find all the rest of Oregon’s food and drink wonders.
10. Mustard
The other day I came across OSU Beaver Mustard in a restaurant for the first time … and I instantly knew my grocery store seasoned mustard was not going to be enough anymore. This is not just one of many Oregon food products — this is a golden grace note on almost anything from sausages to pretzels to roasted vegetables.
9. Blackberries
You may THINK you’ve had blackberries. They may have even looked like the blackberries in the picture. But trust me, you have not tasted a real blackberry until you sample a giant, juicy Oregon berry.
Use them in pies, cakes, or scones. Cook them down into preserves and jams. Or just eat them my favorite way — out of hand, by the pint. Perfect!
8. Honey
The fertile land of Oregon makes it an ideal home for bees…and that means lots and lots of delicious honey.
Oregon honey comes from blackberries, cranberries, marionberries and so much more. The result is honey rich with fruit undertones unlike any ordinary honey.
7. Beer and ale
Whether you like your ale strong and dark or your beer crisp and light, Oregon has a brew to match your taste.
Known worldwide as one of the finest sources for craft beers, Oregon is proud of its microbreweries and its tradition of fine microbrewed beverages.
6. Chocolates
Just when you think you’ve discovered all of the incredible Oregon food products, you come across another. Like the wonderful candy-makers and chocolatiers throughout the state, many of whom gather every year for the Oregon Chocolate Festival.
Some of the chocolates incorporate other Oregon products like hazelnuts, berries, and honey. Others rely on classic European standards for fine chocolate.
5. Artisan cheese
Making exceptional small-batch cheeses is serious business in Oregon. That’s why the Oregon Cheese Guild works hard to provide education and support for cheese makers through-out the state.
And you and I get to enjoy the results of their craft, whether it’s with wine and bread, on a gourmet version of grilled cheese, or with a crisp slice of apple. (I’m getting hungry writing this!)
4. Smoked Salmon
Get a taste of the Pacific Northwest’s favorite seafood when you sample Oregon smoked salmon.
Smoking brings out the rich, almost sweet flavor in salmon, and Oregon is known for being one of the best sources for whole, sliced and canned smoked salmon.
3. Gourmet jams and preserves
Even when summer is long past, the people of Oregon know how to enjoy the taste of the season by turning berries into luscious jams and jellies.
Oregon preserves are a favorite across the country, making them one of the most popular choices on breakfast tables everywhere.
2. Wine
The varied geography of Oregon is wonderful for hikers, photographers … and wine makers. The state boasts over 300 vineyards, and a significant share of the award-winning U.S. wines.
Visitors to Oregon usually include a trip to at least one vineyard, but even out-of-state wine lovers can enjoy their favorites, as many varieties are available online.
1. Hazelnuts
Did you know that 99% of the U.S. hazelnut crop comes from Oregon?
Many of those nuts end up in other states, but the chefs and businesses of Oregon make deicious use of them, too. From chocolate covered hazelnuts to tasty foods like pancakes, scones and cookies, the hazelnut is a favored ingredient from breakfast to dessert.