Our emerald evergreen coastline is home to many delectable treasures. Visit our coves, and you’ll unearth a coveted trove of pearlescent oysters, amber rivers of small-batch brews, and a surprising crimson delight: Washington cranberries. You may be amazed to know that our region is one of the top producers of cranberries in the nation. These vibrant berries are more than a festive fall delight; they have a long, important history in our area, as rich as their burst of color. Join us as we share how Washington’s Evergreen Coast has a ruby-red heart.
A Legacy Rooted in the Soil: The History of Washington Cranberries
Cranberries are one of only a few native North American berries. Our story of Washington cranberries predates the Pilgrims. Hands plucked the brilliant fruit long before settlers first stepped onto our shoreline. Harvesting roots extend back to the indigenous people who used crushed berries in their food making. But at the end of the 19th century, this zesty fruit found its footing in the Pacific Northwest.
Visionaries from Massachusetts visited the peninsula and found its climate shockingly similar to Cape Cod, which was the epicenter of cranberry crops. Trial bogs were created, and a long road of attempts and failures began. Magic occurred when Washington State University established the local Cranberry Research Station. It aided farmers in solving pesky challenges with the soil, frost, and harvesting methods. Cranberries soon flourished in the bogs surrounding Pacific County. By the 1950s, farmers were working with Ocean Spray to support their products, and soon, the area became one of the most significant cranberry producers in the country.
Today, Washington cranberries are celebrated for their distinct tartness and blushing hue. These buoyant berries are wet harvested by flooding the fields, causing the small, scarlet spheres to float to the surface. The fields come alive every fall when cranberry bogs transform into shimmering seas of undulating red waters, ready for harvest.
Washington Cranberries by the Numbers: Leading the Nation
Image Courtesy of: Rachael Jones
The cranberry industry in Pacific County is nothing short of impressive. Our coastline is affectionately called “the Cranberry Coast” due to the garnet berry’s production. Washington produces nearly 150,000 barrels of cranberries annually, making it a key player in the U.S. market. Our state proudly ranks among the top five cranberry producers in the country.
We may be biased, but when it comes to quality, we think our berries are the best. Our region’s ideal growing conditions, including our cool coastal air, rich soil, and abundant rainfall, help grow cranberries that are just a little bit brighter, tangier, and bursting with love.
Immerse Yourself in Cranberry Culture
Image Courtesy of: Corey Dembeck
For those eager to dive into the world of Washington cranberries, the Cranberry Museum in Long Beach is the perfect destination. Nestled amid some of the very bogs that have contributed to the industry, the museum offers an immersive experience where visitors can learn about the history of cranberry farming, the harvesting process, and the vital role these berries play in the local economy. You can see firsthand how these resilient plants bloom from blossom to berry.
If you’re lucky enough to visit in October, you’ll enjoy the festive spirit of the annual Cranberry Festival. This beloved event is a perfect way to celebrate the season, with bog tours, artisan vendors, and delicious treats celebrating cranberry culture.
Craving Cranberry Delights in Pacific County
Image Courtesy of: Danelle Dodds
Speaking of delicious treats, you’ll find the flavor of Washington cranberries stitched into the fabric of the Evergreen Coast’s culinary and creator landscape. Our local purveyors fold the tangy berry into artisan goodies found all over the peninsula.
Those passionate about baked goods can visit one of our local bakeries. The Long Beach Pie Lady bakes a heavenly cranberry apple pie that smells as good as it tastes. Sadie and Josie’s Bakery serves up a collection of cranberry orange muffins that’ll bring a smile to your face. Dylan’s Cottage Bakery and Deli’s cranberry-studded apple fritters are enough to write home about.
If you prefer to drink your berries, Adrift Distillers bottles a cranberry liquor that captures the berry’s natural tartness while infusing it with the smoothness of expertly crafted spirits. It’s the perfect sip for those chilly coastal nights and a unique souvenir that embodies the region.
Over at the Cranberry Museum, you’ll find more than just history. Try a cup of the unique cranberry ice cream. This local favorite is the ultimate treat: smooth and creamy with an icy pop of tartness. While there, stock up on cranberry-infused skincare like lotions, soaps, and face mist. Cranberry seeds are bursting with Omega 3 and fatty acids that strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.
Washington Cranberries on the Evergreen Coast: Our Ruby Red Heart
From rich historical roots to the vibrant harvests painting the Pacific County landscape, Washington cranberries punctuate the region’s jade carpet. Whether you’re sampling a sweet cranberry treat, strolling through a bog, or raising a glass of cranberry-infused liqueur, the flavor of these berries will linger, just like the coastal breeze that carries their story. Visit Washington’s Evergreen Coastline and discover our ruby-red heart.
