Salmonberries are a juicy, tangy treat for the tastebuds. Their brilliant orange-red hue and mouthwatering flavor make them a highly sought-after delicacy However, these berries have an extremely short growing season from April to June and are native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America So if you don’t live near wild salmonberry bushes, you may be wondering – where can I buy salmonberries?
Though foraging is the best way to get your hands on fresh salmonberries, they can also be purchased online, at specialty stores, farmer’s markets, and even some grocery stores when in season. With some effort, you can enjoy these special berries even if they don’t naturally grow in your area.
Foraging for Wild Salmonberries
Foraging for salmonberries is possible in areas along the Pacific Northwest coast where they grow natively. The prime salmonberry picking season is from April to early June when the bushes produce ripe, plump berries perfect for harvesting.
The best spots to look for wild salmonberry bushes are:
- Coastal rainforests
- Along streams and bogs
- Areas with moist, damp soil
When foraging, be absolutely certain of your identification before consuming any berries. Salmonberries resemble trailing blackberries which are poisonous. Once you’ve correctly identified salmonberries, carefully handpick only ripe fully orange-red berries right off the bush.
Purchasing Fresh Salmonberries
If you want the freshest salmonberries but don’t live near foraging areas, some limited options exist to buy fresh handpicked berries:
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Specialty Produce Markets – Some high-end grocers like Whole Foods carry foraged berries when in season. Check the refrigerated produce section.
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Farmer’s Markets – Ask vendors if they have access to wild-foraged or farm-grown salmonberries from April to June.
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Local Foragers – Search for reputable local foragers selling wild edibles. They may offer salmonberries for a short window.
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U-Pick Farms – A small number of u-pick farms in the Pacific Northwest cultivate salmonberries. Visit during peak season to pick your own.
The downside is that fresh salmonberries are highly perishable. Enjoy them ASAP or freeze right after picking to extend shelf life.
Finding Salmonberry Preserves and Jams
For most people outside the Pacific Northwest, buying preserved salmonberries in jams, jellies or syrups is the most convenient option. Several excellent producers offer these products:
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Alaska Wildberry Products – Classic salmonberry jam made from wild Alaskan berries. Buy online or in gourmet stores.
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Taku River Reds – Award-winning jams and sauces using wild Juneau salmonberries. Purchase online.
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Wild Roots – Oregon brand selling marionberry and salmonberry jam made with wild berries. Buy online.
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Orca Bay – This company makes preserves and jam with wild salmonberries when available. Check their online shop or retailers.
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Barnaby’s Salmonberry Liquor – Liquor made in Portland with a bourbon base and Oregon wild salmonberries. Buy their bottles online.
Look for products with a high percentage of actual berries, not just sugar. Quality jams and preserves will showcase the salmonberries’ signature vibrant color.
Trying Salmonberry Syrups and Liqueurs
Beyond jams, some unique products offer drinkable ways to enjoy salmonberry flavor:
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Salmonberry Originals Syrup – Handcrafted syrup using wild Oregon berries, delicious in cocktails or with desserts. Available online.
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Sitka Salmonberries Syrup – Syrup made from foraged Alaskan salmonberries, popular locally in Sitka. Inquire about shipping availability.
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Barnaby’s Salmonberry Liquor – Mentioned above, this liqueur adds salmonberry’s tangy kick to cocktails and homemade syrups. Buy online.
The tart, fruity salmonberry flavor translates deliciously into drink mixers, baking ingredients, and more through these innovative syrups and spirits.
Purchasing Dried Salmonberries
Dried salmonberries are a shelf-stable option providing salmonberry flavor anytime. Search for reputable local foragers or online sellers offering dried berries. Quality dried salmonberries will be plump, soft, and full of natural flavor once rehydrated.
Dried berries are great for:
- Rehydrating in recipes that call for fresh salmonberries
- Snacking for a quick burst of tart sweetness
- Adding to homemade trail mixes along with nuts and seeds
Where to Buy Salmonberries Near Me? Use Online Grocery Delivery
If you don’t live near any brick-and-mortar stores that stock salmonberries, online grocery delivery services are extraordinarily convenient.
Popular grocery delivery apps like Instacart allow you to get fresh salmonberries, preserves, and other products brought right to your doorstep.
Simply enter your location and search for “salmonberries” on the app or website. Then add them to your cart along with the rest of your grocery order. Choose a delivery time, checkout, and your perishable berries will arrive cold and fresh.
Apps like Instacart, DoorDash, and Shipt offer 1-2 hour delivery from local stores that carry salmonberries when in season. This premium level of service ensures your berries are at peak quality.
Satisfy Your Salmonberry Craving
Though their growing range is limited, you can satisfy your hankering for delicious salmonberries even outside the Pacific Northwest. Get them fresh from specialty grocers when possible, or order preserved products online to enjoy year-round. With so many tasty ways to buy salmonberries, these vibrant berries can be yours to savor.
Salmon Berry (Identification)
FAQ
Where can I find salmonberries?
It is found in moist coastal forests, stream sides, bogs, and shorelines, but can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and woodland edges. They form large thickets in open areas and thrive in open spaces under stands of red alder (Alnus rubra).
What is another name for salmon berries?
Rubus spectabilis (Blackberry, Dewberry, Salmonberry, Salmon Berry) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.
How much do salmon berries sell for?
A Salmonberry is a berry in Stardew Valley. Can be found by interacting with large, red-berry filled bushes almost everywhere outside during the spring 15 through 18. A normal Salmonberry sells for 5g.
Are salmon berries good for you?
Yes, salmon berries are generally considered good for you and offer various health benefits.