Oregon is the number four producer of cranberries in the country, producing 7% of the United States domestic cranberry supply. In 2019, there were 2,700 acres of cranberries planted, which produced a total of 558,000 barrels of cranberries. The Oregon cranberry industry in 2019 totaled $14,851,000. Cranberries are mostly grown in the coastal counties of Coos and Curry.
History of Cranberries:
Cranberries are one of the three native berries to the United States. The Native Americans have been using them for hundreds of years as food, dye for clothes, and as medicine. The first pilgrims to the United States were taught all about cranberry from the Native Americans. The first cranberries to be cultivated were in 1816 by Captain Henry Hall in Massachusetts.
Historically, Oregon native cranberries were grown in the northwestern part of the state and Native Americans shared them with early settlers. The native cranberries were a good source of vitamin C and because of the extra waxy coating, they were able to be stored for a long period of time. Commercial cranberry farming began in Oregon in 1885 when Charles McFarlin planted cranberry cuttings he brought from Massachusetts. He settled in Coos County which is still the top producing county for Oregon cranberries.
Life Cycle:
One of the biggest misconceptions is cranberries grow in water, yet they actually grow on vines in a bog. The bogs are layered with sand, peat, gravel, and clay. Cranberry vines grow low to the ground. A typical growing season for cranberries is April to November. Southern Oregon is a perfect place for cranberries to grow because there is a longer growing season. This allows the berries to develop a unique, dark, rich red color. Cranberry farmers use flooding, put sand on the bogs, and build habitats for birds to help control insects. These natural techniques to keep pests away allow the farmer to use very minimal chemical pesticides.
Harvesting:
The first step in harvesting cranberries is to flood the fields which is why people think cranberries grow in water. The next step is to gently loosen the fruit from the vines. Cranberries are full of air pockets, which allow them to rise to the surface of the water. Harvesters guide the cranberries to one side of the bog where an elevator scoops them out of the water and into trucks to be transported to the processing plant. Watch this video for an up-close look at harvesting cranberries.
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