Haskaps
Your New Favourite Berry!
Haskaps (Lonicera Caerulea) are a lesser known, but incredibly
delicious variety of berry that I discovered in the spring of 2022.
Although it has several other names, “Haskap” is the ancient Japanese
word for “berry of long life and good vision” and was selected
as the commercial title by the Fruit Program at the University of
Saskatchewan, Canada.
Haskaps are native to the colder climates of Asia, Europe, and North
America. They prefer the wetlands of boreal forests and thrive in
hardiness zones that can drop to -50℃ during the winter months. Not only
are they winter-hardy, but they’re also one of the earliest fruiting
types of berries and incredibly disease-resistant. Plus, their nutrient
density is unrivalled by most other types of fruit, which may explain
their use in traditional medicine.
When it was introduced to Canadian growers in the 1950s it was barely
palatable. Through extensive cultivation, it acquired a flavor profile
somewhere between blueberries and raspberries. The fruit can be used to
make wines, jellies, and jams, but I personally prefer to eat them right
off the plant just as the morning dew begins to evaporate.
If you would like to learn more about Haskaps, please follow the link below. University of Saskatchewan