The marionberry is a cross between the Olallie and Chehalem blackberries exclusively bred at Oregon State University in partnership with the USDA. Since the berry's production started in 1945, the marionberry has become so popular that legislation to make the berry the official state berry is currently in the works. The berry is known for its slight tartness and earthy, yet sweet flavor and since the marionberry doesn't ship well it has become the centerpiece for many Oregon-based delicacies including muffins, ice cream, and jams. But none of those treats can top the marionberry pie.
The easy to grow fruit has become a focal point for pie shops like the Williamette Valley Pie Company in Salem, Oregon who processes approximately twelve million pounds of the berry per year and lets visitors pick their very own marionberry during the summer months of the year. Your average blackberry pie has nothing on Oregon's prized marionberry pie.
Over the years, weve seen so many food trends come and go, such as ramen burgers, matcha, and spiked ice-cream. Nowadays, were seeing another trend making waves in the food industry. How many times today have you seen an Instagram photo of a scoop of black ice cream, or a cup of black yogurt, or hamburgers with black buns? Indeed, the charcoal trend has taken the world by storm.
So, what gives your latte that deep black shade? Activated charcoal, or coconut ash, is produced by heating coconut shells to insanely high temperatures until theyre burnt to a crisp. The ashes are then increased in size by steaming at high temperatures. Through this process, the ashes become a strong detoxifier, mostly because they become extra absorbent. This product may be purchased in pill form, and promises to alleviate hangovers, minimize the effects of food poisoning, and fight the visible signs of aging.
Activated charcoal is said to boost ones energy as a result of decreasing toxins in the body. However, no evidence proves that detoxifying can lead to increased energy. Also, while it can help cure a hangover, it doesnt necessarily remove alcohol from your blood. It is also said to aid in debloating your stomach because it cleanses your colon but again, this all anecdotal and isnt supported by scientific evidence as of yet. All we can say for sure is that it is a proven detoxifier.