A haskap berry is a delicious berry native to Russia and Japan. Because of their hardiness, many benefits, and delicious flavor, they are commonly grown in colder regions of North America and harvested in the late summer and early fall.
Keep reading to learn the benefits of the haskap berry and to get two simple but delicious recipes for this super-fruit.
What is a haskap berry?
Haskap berries, also commonly known as blue honeysuckle (or, scientifically, Lonicera caerulea), are a fruit native to Siberia, Russia and Hokkaido, Japan, according to Haskapa. Due to their hardiness, delicious flavor, and many benefits, these super-fruits are now grown in cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
What do they taste like?
Haskap berries have a deliciously complex flavor. They are truly unique! Many describe them as a mix between a blueberry, a currant, and a raspberry because of their slightly sweet and tangy flavor. I find them to be a little bit tart, which I love for baking because they are more versatile than a highly sweet berry. If picked early they are quite sour.
Benefits of the haskap berry
This deep purple berry packs an impressive nutritional punch, offering numerous health benefits. Research by Wang et al. (2015) found that this berry is packed with antioxidants and that they are an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and fiber. Studies have also shown that these berries also possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce specific health risks.
Note: I am not a health professional, so please read the linked articles for more in-depth health information!
Haskap berries have also been found by Koyama et al. (2016) to be beneficial for cardiovascular health. They state that polyphenol-rich diet, a compound which the haskap berry is rich in, have cancer-reducing properties. Also, the high content of vitamins and minerals can help to lower blood pressure, and improve both blood flow and brain function, according to research conducted by Schroeter et al. (2010).
Another note: Though many online sources say that the haskap berry was used for traditional medicine, I could not find any reliable sources to back up these claims. The Hokkaido Digital Museum, however, does state that these berries were traditionally gathered by the Ainu people.
In addition to their health benefits, haskap berries also have a wonderfully unique flavor. They can be enjoyed fresh or made into preserves, syrups, and wine, for example. See below for two simple recipes!
Nutritional content of haskap berry
According to information on Haskap Berry’s website, the haskap berry has the following nutrition values per 100 grams of berries:
| Potassium (mg) | Calcium (mg) | Phosphorous (mg) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin C (mg) | Vitamin E (mg) | Energy (kcal) |
| 190 | 38 | 25 | .6 | 130 | 44 | 1.1 | 53 |
Recipes using haskap berry
Because of their slightly sweet and tangy flavors, these berries are delicious as a substitute for many berries in recipes (like blackberries or blueberries) and are delicious in mixed-berry recipes.
You can use these berries in sweet recipes (like the tarts below), savoury recipes like berry salmon, or as a topping for foods like yogurt or cereals. Or, if you’re looking for simple, throw them in the freezer and grab a handful whenever you want a snack.
Here are two simple haskap berry recipes for you to try: Haskap berry tart recipe or Fresh haskap berry lemonade.
Growing haskap berry
Haskap berries are hardy plants that can grow in a variety of soils and climates. But, they are best grown in cooler regions with long winter days and short summer days. Since they are such a hardy plant, then do well in the cold climates of the Northern Hemisphere.
Haskap berries should be planted in well-drained soils with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. The plants prefer full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Haskap berries need to be pruned regularly in order to produce the best yields.
Pruning should start when the plants are young, and continue throughout the season, though the best time to prune is in the spring and summer when the plants are actively growing. This helps to keep the plants healthy while promoting new growth.
Haskap berries need to be irrigated regularly in order to ensure optimal yields, and the plants should be watered deeply and evenly throughout the season. You can help moisture retention in the soil surrounding the plants by mulching, too.
Read more about plant care, including the different varieties of haskap berries, from the Utah State University here.
Harvesting and processing
Harvesting haskap berries is best done in the late summer and early fall when the berries are ripe and sweet. You will know they are ready when they are dark purple in color and can be easily pulled off the stem.
Live Simply says to freeze them, wash the berries and strain the water out through a colander. Allow them to dry fully (freezing them when there is still water will result in freezer burn!), and then place them on a baking sheet with a liner. Their site says to line the tray with parchment paper, but for a less wasteful option I use my silicone baking liner.
Freeze your berries on the tray for at least 4 hours or until hard, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as you can to lengthen their shelf life. Using this method, they should last about one year in the freezer. Just remember that after being frozen the berries will be softer and will retain some of the moisture from being frozen – So adjust your recipes accordingly!
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy haskap berries?
There are many U-Pick haskap berry farms in North America. If you don’t want to pick them, you can often find them at Farmer’s Markets in the late spring and early fall. Or, you can buy the plants at a local nursery or from online retailers.
What does Haskap berry taste like?
Haskap berry is slightly sweet and a little bit tangy. Their flavor resembles a mix of blueberry, raspberry, and currant.
What are Haskap berries good for?
Haskap berries are high in vitamins and antioxidants, bringing many health benefits. They are also good for a substitute in most berry recipes as they have a unique and delicious flavor.
Can you eat raw Haskap berries?
Yes! These berries are delicious fresh, frozen, or prepared.
Conclusion
In conclusion, haskap berries are a versatile and nutritious superfood that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great addition to any diet. Whether you enjoy them fresh, frozen, or in jams, jellies, and syrups, haskap berries are sure to delight your taste buds. They are also relatively easy to grow and can be a great addition to a home garden or backyard orchard. With their unique flavor and health benefits, haskap berries are a must-try for anyone looking to add a new and exciting fruit to their diet!
References
ORIGINS OF HASKAP SUPERBERRY IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE, by Haskapa
Yu, L., Lai, J., Liu, B., & Tong, Z. (2015). Anthocyanin Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Haskap Berries (Lonicera caerulea L.). International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 16(12), 29878-29888.
Koyama, Y., & Kita, M. (2016). Haskap Berry Anthocyanins in Health Promotion.
Hagen Schroeter, Christian Heiss, Jeremy P.E. Spencer, Carl L. Keen, Joanne R. Lupton, Harold H. Schmitz, Recommending flavanols and procyanidins for cardiovascular health: Current knowledge and future needs, Molecular Aspects of Medicine, Volume 31, Issue 6, 2010, Pages 546-557, ISSN 0098-2997, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mam.2010.09.008.
