Are Haskap Berries The New Blueberry?

by Jennifer Smith August 02, 2017

If you're like me, you are probably wondering what is a Haskap Berry. At first glance, it looks like a cylindrical version of a blueberry; but after doing some research, I found that the resemblance stops there.

Native to Russia and Japan, Haskap berries are dark blue in color and are very, berry good for you. Although Haskaps look like blueberries, they are actually part of the Honeyberry family (Lonicera caerulea). Fruit growers know the fruit by both names; so, they will most likely use them interchangeably!

Haskaps contain more Vitamin C than oranges and more antioxidants that blueberries. They are so good for you that the people of Japan associated the berry with good eye sight and longer lifespans. These somewhat tart berries have a hint of sweetness and taste like a combined blueberry/raspberry.

The first cultivated Haskap berries were introduced to Alberta, Canada in the 1950s as a super food and can be found in all provinces except British Columbia - although Nova Scotia is the best place in Canada to grow Haskap berries. This is due to the ideal climate, rainfall, soil, and numerous processing opportunities throughout the province.

Fruit growers should consider planting Haskpa berries in their fruit gardens because this super fruit is known to attract less pests and require little maintenance. The berry will ripen before strawberries each season and can handle cold climate just fine. (Varieties of Haskap berries can handle temperatures of -45C and -11C in Saskatchewan.) Pollination is necessary; and berry growers will need one pollinator per every five plants.*

The Haskap berry is the next big thing in berry growing. It's time to start growing!