Haskap berries belong to a family of berries that are rich in healthful nutrients. While these berries are comparable to other super berries in terms of nutrient content, their taste makes them stand out from the rest. People can easily consume commercially developed haskaps. Usually, the taste is compared to a crossbreed between blueberry and raspberry with a zing of Vitamin C. Many blue honeysuckle farms in Canada grow haskap plants, partnering with producers to breed varieties for the commercial market.
Benefits of Haskap Berries to Health
Haskap berries are a rich source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. They are said to contain 3x a blueberry’s antioxidant content. These berries are quite high in antioxidants like anthocyanins, bioflavonoids, and polyphenols. Haskap berries taste great and can be used in baked goods, wine, syrup, and jam. But a lot of producers today offer the fruit as frozen, freeze dried, and in juice form.
Growing Haskap Plant
The haskap plant is not affected by -40 degrees temperature in winter. Its flowers can withstand a temperature of 17 degrees and can continue to produce. Not all edible berries can do this.
Haskap plants tend to grow on a bush, often 4-6 feet wide. Their flowers bloom early in spring. They require cross-pollination with unrelated cultivars that bloom with them. Ideally, the plant should be grown in sunny locations that have well-drained soils. But it can do well with different conditions. The best time to plant this berry is fall and spring. Plants should be spaced 3-4 feet apart. Typically, plants should be applied nitrogen fertilizer in the spring, along with other essential nutrients, according to a soil analysis.
In their native environment, haskap plants grow near water. Thus, watering is vital. The plant must be watered deeply and less frequently to promote deep-root development. Also, the plant requires little pruning.
It takes 2-3 weeks for haskaps to fully ripen after they turn blue. In the first few years, a haskap plant may produce just a handful of fruits. However, production is expected to increase in its third to fourth year. By this time, each mature plant can produce 5-15 pounds of berries. To maximize yields, netting should be done as birds can be an issue. The shape of the fruit can be round or oblong, depending on the variety. Also, its flavour depends on the cultivar, which ranges from sweet to tart.
