Turns out we have a great climate for growing this promising crop, and that's great news. The berries are highly sought after in Japan for their selenium content, the element reputed to restore youth. Haskap is derived from the Japanese for "little presents on the end of branches."
Haskap berries are small and oval, similar to an elongated, one-inch long blueberry. The exterior is dark violet - the interior, an intense crimson. The seeds are very small. The flavour is a cross between blueberry, raspberry and elderberry.
The most marvelous attribute of haskap is the antioxidant content - which is up to three times that of a blueberry and it has a vitamin C content higher than that of an orange.
Haskap is recommended for the home gardener and was first introduced into Canada as an ornamental in the 1950's.
LaHave Forests is a driving force in the promotion of the haskap berry in Nova Scotia. It's formed the Haskap Growers Association of Nova Scotia and plans to facilitate the growing of this crop in the province by "encouraging growers to share information and technologies, develop a trusted network of experts, and encourage and facilitate garden clubs and keen gardeners to grow haskap berries."
It's also working towards carrying out technical research into the properties of the haskap berry through partnerships with the Nova Scotia Agricultural College and creating a network of "like-minded growers and propagators to develop a community of growers throughout North America."
LaHave Forests managing director Logie Cassells says plants will be sold in garden centres this year, but adds that LaHave Forests sell plants for $10 each.
"The biggest challenge in planting haskap is planting it in healthy soil for a healthy plant," he said. The company is selling three types of haskap: Indigo Gem, Tundra and Berry Smart Blue.
Like other perennial species, haskap should be planted in spring as soon as soil conditions and temperatures are favorable, usually early May/June. Birds appear to be the biggest challenge to growing. Netting and/or some other methods of bird control are necessary near harvesting time. Haskap begins production early, with significant amounts occurring three to four years after planting. Yields of 7kg/16lbs per bush have been reported after five years. Typically, berries are harvested the first week of June in Nova Scotia.
For more information on the haskap berry, visit the Haskap Growers Association of NS website.
