But for now, at the height of summer, we have the chance to indulge in eating berries fresh every day. This year, let’s take the time not only to enjoy our local crop, but also to regard what we eat as more than just a “blackberry” or “raspberry.” We can question vendors at farmers’ markets about the different cultivars and discover our own favorites. We can explore berry-based industries, be they producers of jams, gelatos or liqueurs, and appreciate the impact the berry industry has on our local economy. And we can acknowledge the path each berry takes from the research station to the farm to the market to our tables, where we enjoy them as berry crisp, homemade ice cream, or simply served in a bowl — fresh, juicy and unadorned.

Ashley Griffin is a Portland-based freelance writer who has also written for Portland Monthly, Northwest Palate and The Oregonian.