Expert Reveals Surprising Oregon Fruits & Veggies to Beat Rising Food Prices. 

As fruit and vegetable prices are expected to rise this year, Oregonians might not have to look much further than their own backyards for fresh, affordable produce. While many believe their local climate limits what they can grow, experts say there’s a surprising bounty waiting just outside the back door.

According to Craftcamp, a leading resource for backyard builders and garden DIYers alike, every U.S. state has unexpected fruits and vegetables that thrive with minimal effort – no green thumb or elaborate equipment needed. From heat-loving hibiscus in Alabama to wild-foraged gooseberries in Wyoming, a bit of smart planting (and maybe a DIY raised bed or mini greenhouse) could be the secret weapon against rising grocery bills.

And the best part? These crops aren’t just practical – they’re beautiful, resilient, and often more nutritious than their store-bought counterparts. And if you don’t have a backyard? No problem. Many of these crops are well-suited to container gardening, balcony boxes, or even windowsill growing – making them perfect for apartment dwellers and renters too.

Here are Craftcamp’s suggestions to grow in Oregon:

Sea Kale  
This perennial coastal beauty thrives in Oregon’s cool, maritime climate. Its early spring shoots taste like asparagus, while its mature leaves resemble mild kale and can be sautéed or steamed. Once established, it comes back year after year with minimal effort – perfect for low-maintenance gardeners seeking something elegant and edible.

Huckleberries (Native Varieties)  
Though slow-growing, these tart-sweet native berries flourish in Oregon’s acidic forest soils and partial shade. They’re perfect for woodland gardens and reward patience with intense flavor in jams, pies, or eaten fresh. Plus, they support local wildlife and preserve Pacific Northwest biodiversity in your own backyard.

Fava Beans  
Fava beans are an ideal early-season crop in Oregon. They love cool weather, improve your soil by fixing nitrogen, and yield buttery, nutty-flavored beans that elevate everything from spring pasta to hearty stews. You can even eat the tender shoots – perfect for stir-fries or salads.

Other interesting produce that can be grown in other states include:

Connecticut: Ground Cherries
Looking for something exotic yet easy in Connecticut? Ground cherries, wrapped in their own papery husks, deliver a sweet-tart punch of pineapple and tomato flavors.

North Dakota: Rutabagas
Rutabagas thrive in North Dakota’s cool climate, developing a sweet, nutty flavor after the first frost – perfect for roasting or mashing into hearty fall dishes.

South Carolina: Bitter Melon
Adventurous gardeners in South Carolina can tackle bitter melon, a tropical climber prized for its health benefits and its vibrant, alien-looking fruits.

Utah: Amaranth
Both beautiful and practical, amaranth’s colorful plumes and edible leaves make it a superstar in Utah’s dry, sunny gardens, offering beauty, nutrition, and resilience.

Why It Matters

“Food security starts right outside your door,” says Martynas Mandrijauskas, founder of Craftcamp.  “In times of economic uncertainty, home gardens aren’t just a hobby – they’re a smart, empowering way to feed your family. Whether it’s a raised bed you built yourself or just a few containers on the porch, the right crops can make all the difference.”