You’ve probably heard of most berries—blackberries, raspberries, strawberries—but have you heard of haskap berries? Known for their unique flavour and powerful health and nutrition benefits, these small, blueberry-like fruits are more than just a trendy treat. They’re the next big Canadian superfruit.
What are haskap berries?
Haskap berries, sometimes called blue honeysuckle or honey berries, are a variety of honeysuckle plant (lonicera caerulea) known for producing blue-purple berries. The word “haskap” comes from “hasukappu”, a term the indigenous Ainu people of Japan gave to the fruit which means “berry of long life” hinting at its numerous health benefits.
Haskap berries deliver a sweet, sometimes tart, smooth flavour. They are often described as tasting like a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and rhubarb and when juiced, produce a bright, vibrant purple colour. Haskap Berries are a delicious bonus in smoothies, yogurt parfaits, and even desserts!
Why are haskap berries a superfruit?
Haskap berries are packed with powerful nutrients and most notably, they are a rich source of antioxidants–specifically, anthocyanins which provide their deep colouring. Antioxidants, including anthocyanins, fight damaging molecules in the body known as free radicals which can accelerate aging and cause oxidative stress.
While studies on anthocyanins are ongoing, current research and evidence has shown they play an important role in the body contributing to lower blood pressure, a reduced risk of heart and neurological diseases, and even potentially slowing cancer growth, while also showing potential for improving brain function, improving glucose tolerance, reducing inflammation, and supporting weight loss.
In addition to their antioxidant content, haskap berries are also high in vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium, making them a fantastic addition to your diet to support your gut health and overall wellness.
Where do haskap berries come from?
The haskap plant is native to regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Today, it can be found commercially grown throughout Canada thanks to its frost-tolerant flowers and ability to withstand harsh, cold temperatures, and a variety of soil conditions giving the berry its Canadian superfruit identity.
At haskalife™, our berries are grown, harvested, and processed at our orchard and on-site processing facility at our farm in Southern Alberta, ensuring our haskap products are fresh, nutritious, and delicious.
How are haskap berries grown?
Haskap berries grow on bushes, which flower in the spring. Through late spring and into summer, the plants continue to grow until harvesting which typically happens in July.
When it comes to growing and processing at haskalife™, our operations are vertically-integrated, meaning that every step of the process—from planting to harvesting to production—is all in our control. We make every decision with the environment in mind, like using solar energy to power our processing facility, and we never allow chemicals to touch our berries.
Our haskap berry products—like our unique pure haskap berry powder and pure haskap berry super shot—are made from our proprietary blend of our top haskap berry varietals. Plus, we utilize premium processing capabilities, like freeze dying and high pressure processing, without additives or preservatives, to give you an environmentally conscious (and delicious) final product that’s packed with perks.
Haskap berries are more than just a trendy superfood—they’re a powerful, nutrient-rich fruit with a unique taste and impressive health benefits. Whether you’re looking to improve your overall health, support sustainable farming, or simply enjoy a delicious treat, haskap berries, and our 100% pure haskap berry products, are a must-try.