Haskap berry

Discover the haskap berry

Haskap is a small, oval berry often compared to an elongated blueberry. Also known as honeyberry or camerise in French, haskap is a lesser known crop that is rapidly gaining in popularity across North America.

While the outside of the haskap is a blue, similar to that of a blueberry, the flesh of the berry is an intense dark crimson. Unlike some other berries, the haskap’s very small seeds are practically imperceptible. The juice is the same stunning crimson as the flesh.

Haskap has a very unique and complex flavour often associated with that of blackcurrant, blueberry and raspberry. Others are reminded of hints of blackberry, nectarine, plum and rhubarb. Either fresh or processed, haskap is bursting with unique flavours that vary from one cultivar to the next.

A rich and complex taste
Note: Most of the information contained in this section comes from the document: “La camerise, Guide de production” 2015 edition, MAPAQ, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Regional office.

What is haskap?

A berry that has been hand-picked for Québec

Ever since the first bushes were planted in Québec in 2007, haskap has been rapidly gaining the attention of producers and processors. Not only is the berry delicious and rich in antioxidants, but it has certain unique characteristics that make it an excellent choice for our northern climate:

  • Haskap has a more complex and pronounced flavour than most of the well-known berries in Québec. This unique taste is coveted by chefs on a quest for gourmet experiences.
  • Haskap is an early ripening berry that is harvested early in the summer, thus allowing agricultural businesses that already grow other berries to extend their season, and vary their sources of revenue.
  • The haskap bush is very resistant and well equipped to thrive in Québec’s northern climate.
  • Haskap is very rich in antioxidants, fibre and vitamins and fits in perfectly with increasing demand for healthy foods and healthy lifestyles.
  • Haskap can be harvested using mechanised techniques thus reducing the need for hard-to-find farm workers.
  • As with cranberries and blueberries, haskap has the qualities required for easy processing, freezing, whole sale and exportation.

A man with a vision

The vast majority of the haskap cultivars grown in Québec descend from Dr. Bob Bors’ research program at the University of Saskatchewan. Starting in the early 2000s, Dr. Bors, a fruit tree specialist, began work on developing improved haskap cultivars.

Cultivars

In haskap orchards in Québec there are several cultivars that can be found in greater numbers. These include: Aurora, Berry Blue, Boreal Beast, Boreal Blizzard, Boreal Beauty, Honeybee and Indigo Gem.

The origins of haskap

The plant (Lonicera caerulea) is native to the more northern regions of the boreal forests of Asia, Europe and North America. It can also be found in Japan where it has been used for hundreds of years.

It was not until the 1990s that North Americans began hybridization work with Lonicera caerulea. Two noteworthy programs being those headed by Dr. Maxine Thompson of Oregon State University and Dr. Bob Bors of the University of Saskatchewan.

Lonicera caerulea can be found growing wild in several Canadian provinces though its presence is not prevalent. It is not a dominant species and can be found only by the keen observer.

Etymology

Several names are used around the world to designate Lonicera caerulea:

  • Haskap: Japanese word meaning “berry of long life and good sight” (also spelled haskappu, hascap or hascup)
  • Blue honeysuckle: translation of the Russian description
  • Honeyberry: coined by Jim Gilbert of One Green Earth Nursery, Oregon
  • Sweet berry honeysuckle: name used in the 1940s
  • Swamp fly honeysuckle: name used by botanists who typically found the plant growing in marshlands.
  • Camerisier: Used in Québec since July 2006

In the case of Québec and the rest of Canada, the names “camerise” and “haskap” are those most commonly used when referring to Lonicera caerulea.

Its benifits and properties
Grow the haskap A rewarding job
Its storage Enjoy it longer