Which Foods Should You Try in Oregon?

With its mild climate and lavish rainy season, Oregon is a great place for growing and raising food. Farmers' markets and CSA's are plentiful, and many residents purposefully eat only (or mostly) local foods. Here are some foods not to miss in Oregon.

Dutch Babies

No, Oregonians do not eat babies. Or Dutch people. A Dutch baby is an oven-baked pancake, made with eggs, flour, sugar and milk. It puffs up in the oven, and then falls flat after baking, leaving a big, puffy rim around the edge. The Dutch baby can then be filled with fruit, or topped with powdered sugar and syrup. Dutch babies are a specialty of The Original Pancake House, founded in Oregon.

Berries

Berry season in Oregon is a delight, from late spring strawberries to early fall blackberries and blueberries. Buy fresh berries at farmers' markets, or pick your own at one of many U-pick farms in the state. Berry preserves and jams from Oregon are excellent as well. Many residents are even getting back into canning their own preserves and jams, in order to have the fresh taste of Oregon berries year-round.

Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts, or filberts, are the official state nut of Oregon. According to Brand Oregon, 99 percent of the U.S. hazelnut industry is located in Oregon! Hazelnut trees are plentiful in the state, even in the wild. 80 percent of the fat in hazelnuts is monounsaturated, heart-healthy fat. They are also an excellent source of nutrients such as vitamin E and folic acid. Hazelnuts can even be ground into flour, which can be used for baking.

Dairy Products

Milk is the official state beverage of Oregon, but is not the only dairy product in the state worth trying! Oregon is also home to the famous Tillamook Cheese Factory on the Oregon coast. Visitors can tour the factory, see how the cheese is made and sample the delicious cheeses. Tillamook also produces excellent ice cream, butter, and yogurt. Also in Oregon are Sunshine Dairy Foods, Alpenrose Dairy, and a number of independent and organic dairy farms and companies.

Mushrooms

Oregon's ancient forests and abundant rainfall provide an excellent environment for damp-loving mushrooms. Oregon even has an official state mushroom - the Pacific Golden Chanterelle (Cantharellus formosus). Unless you are knowledgeable about mushrooms, it's recommended that you purchase them rather than trying to gather your own. Local mushrooms are available at many farmers' markets, and are often featured in local restaurants as well.

Apples and Pears

The Hood River Valley of Oregon is famous for its apple and pear orchards. According to Heirloom Orchards, the first fruit trees were brought to Hood River in 1847, and by the end of the 19th century family farms and orchards had blossomed all over the valley. The area now boasts a 35-mile Fruit Loop, with 36 participating farms and businesses where visitors can buy apples, pears, and other fruit products directly from the growers. Many growers also sell their fruit by mail order and online.