To think that before 2006, this word didn’t even exist. Yet, the plant it designates, edible honeysuckle, has been well known to many northern populations for several centuries.
The popularity of the haskap bush in Quebec gardens is still recent. Barely ten years ago, its cultivation was marginal. Moreover, only one subspecies, Lonicera caerulea var. edulis, was available to anyone who knew where to look (I ordered it from British Columbia, by mail, with a stamp and money order!). Since then, the Russians have developed more than sixty cultivars of edible honeysuckle, also called “haskap”. The Quebec gourmet now has easy access to about a dozen cultivars, the most popular being ‘Borealis’ and ‘Blue Belle’.
A New Arrival in the Small Fruit Universe
Haskap berries, resembling elongated blueberries, are the source of the craze for this “new” fruit. These berries have a unique flavor that is difficult to compare to anything else. Their taste is a blend of blueberries, plums, kiwis, and rhubarb. Slightly tart, but very pleasant to eat. Having been in production for about ten years, they are on their way of taking a place of choice alongside strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. In fact, chefs take great pleasure in developing dishes with this unusual flavor.
Nutritionally, haskap berries are no exception. Their antioxidant levels far exceed those of blackcurrants and cranberries, which in turn outperform strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Particularly rich in vitamins A and C, haskap berries are also an excellent source of fiber and potassium.
A Fruit With Many Uses
At home, haskap berries can be eaten fresh, in jams, or in just about any berry recipe. Sauce for pork tenderloins, healthy muffins, topping for fine cheeses… the possibilities are endless. Haskap berries are easy to store in the freezer and are a hit in the dehydrator. Their only small drawback, and it’s one that hybridizers are working on, is that the shelf life of fresh fruit is very short. Once picked, they must be devoured or processed for preservation.
Easier Than That… Impossible!
In the garden, edible honeysuckle is literally a shrub that you watch grow and bear fruit without any care. Having grown this shrub a few meters from a huge silver maple, in a location with a little sun, I can confirm that it grows slowly, but still generates a good yield.
Besides, these boreal origins are clearly felt. They never fear the Siberian cold. Edible honeysuckle can grow in zone 2 (USDA zone 3) … with vigor. Chibougamau? Matagami? Oh yes!
The ideal location for a haskap berry plant is full sun, in loose, slightly acidic, and moderately rich soil. Most haskap bushes are large, rounded shrubs that can reach 1.5 to 2 meters (6 to 8 feet) in height and width. Another advantage of edible honeysuckle is that it is virtually free of insect pests and diseases. Some varieties are susceptible to powdery mildew, but even when infested, the plant produces generously without flinching. Since the pretty pale yellow flowers appear early in spring, before the apple trees bloom, it is a good idea to plant them in sheltered locations. This surrounding warmth will be beneficial for the awakening of pollinating insects, absolutely essential for fruit production.
Two Is Better!
Like pear and apple trees, honeysuckle is self-sterile. Therefore, more than one cultivar must be planted to successfully produce fruit. ‘Honey Bee’ and ‘Berry Blue’ are known for their good compatibility with many haskap cultivars. It’s also important to inquire about the flowering period to ensure that both plants bloom at the same time. Some retailers have addressed these issues by offering preselected compatible duos.
I have been able to confirm from experience this need for two varieties for fruit production. When I received my haskap bushes (by mail), I planted them side by side and the fruit production was phenomenal! After a few years, they became huge shrubs. So I decided to move one to the other end of the garden. And suddenly, almost no fruit! Since then, I have corrected the situation by planting a small cutting from one at the base of the other!
Some Varieties
The differences between varieties aren’t very significant. Much like blueberries, if you were to conduct a blind taste test, few amateurs would be able to distinguish between the varieties. Here are a few, however:
- ‘Aurora‘: H.: 1.5 m (6 feet); W.: 1.5 m (6 feet); Zone 2 (USDA zone 3). Fast growing. Very productive variety. Pollinator of ‘Borealis’ and ‘Tundra’
- ‘Berry Blue‘: H.: 2 m (8 feet); W.: 1.8 m (7 feet); Zone 2 (USDA zone 3).
- ‘Blue Banana‘: H.: 1.8 m (7 feet); W.: 1.5 m (6 feet); Zone 2 (USDA zone 3). Productive variety.
- ‘Boreal’ Beast‘: H.: 1.8 m (7 feet); W.: 1.2 m (4 feet); Zone 2 (USDA zone 3). Larger than average fruits. Pollinator of ‘Boreal Beauty’.
- ‘Boreal Beauty‘: H.: 1.8 m (7 feet); W.: 1.2 m (4 feet); Zone 2 (USDA zone 3). Later-season variety than average. Pollinator of ‘Aurora’ and ‘Keiko’.
- ‘Boreal Blizzard‘: H.: 1.5 m (6 feet); W.: 1 m (3 feet); Zone 2 (USDA zone 3). Large fruits and later production.
- ‘Borealis‘: H.: 1.5 m (6 feet); W.: 1 m (3 feet); Zone 2 (USDA zone 3). Pollinator of ‘Aurora’, ‘Berry Blue’ and ‘Honey Bee’.
- ‘Honey Bee‘: H.: 1.8 m (7 feet); W.: 1.5 m (6 feet); Zone 2 (USDA zone 3). Elongated fruits. Good disease resistance.
- ‘Indigo Gem‘: H.: 1.5 m (6 feet); W.: 1.2 m (4 feet); Zone 2 (USDA zone 3). Reputed to be the best tasting. Pollinator of ‘Aurora’, ‘Berry Blue’ and ‘Honey Bee’.
- ‘Indigo Treat‘: H.: 1.5 m (6 feet); W.: 1 m (3 feet); Zone 2 (USDA zone 3). Pollinator of ‘Aurora’, ‘Berry Blue’ and ‘Honey Bee’.
- ‘Tundra‘: H.: 1 m (3 feet); W.: 1.2 m (4 feet); Zone 3 (USDA zone 4).
- ‘Yezberry Solo‘: H.: 1.8 m (7 feet); W.: 1.2 m (4 feet); Zone 3 (USDA zone 4).
Earlier Than Strawberries
As for the long-awaited fruit production, it appears the 3rd weekof June, for early varieties. Fruiting continues until mid-July for late varieties. The ripe fruits detach themselves and fall easily to the ground, which is an advantage for the harvest. Indeed, it is easy to place a cloth on the ground and gently shake the shrub to obtain a generous harvest in one go. That said, the fruits do not ripen all at the same time, which prolongs the fun by a few weeks.
The era of the haskap berry is only just beginning. “Haskap” being a Japanese term meaning “berry of long life”, is a safe bet that it will become, as in Japan, a source of longevity for many years to come.
I have a few shrubs scattered all over. All in shady areas, the more shade the slower or smaller shrub.I will be doing cuttings of one to the other for more fruit production. Thank you for the information of cuttings, which I was not aware of and that if they are close proximity they bear more fruit. I was just outside nibbling on some hasksap. Forutnately for me, most people I allowed to taste, did not like the tart flavour. More for me. I love them.
Ah, this is one of the (very) few modern introductions that I actually wanted to try. Ultimately, I decided to not try them, only because they supposedly dislike the mild winters and warm summers here. I might eventually grow some from cuttings if I see them performing well within local gardens.
Thanks for the article! I planted four haskaps four years ago as a source of food for insects and birds. They are producing tremendous amounts blossoms and fruit which are duly gobbled up by our wild friends.