FAQ

The haskap berry (botanical name Lonicera caerulea) is an edible blue honeysuckle native to northern hemisphere countries including Canada, Japan and Russia. Haskap berries grow on deciduous leafy bushes which have an amazing ability to survive hostile, freezing northern winters.

Haskap berries are oval-rectangular in shape, looking a little like elongated blueberries. They have a dark purple-blue double skin, vibrant crimson flesh and tiny, almost undetectable seeds.

Haskap berries are uniquely delicious and are described as a blend of tangy and sweet.

Haskap berries contain up to four times more anthocyanins and up to three times more antioxidants than blueberries. Haskap berries also have a unique anthocyanin profile, with one specific anthocyanin called cyanidin-3-glucoside, known as C3G, making up around 85% of the total anthocyanin content. They also contain a range of other polyphenols including phenolic acids e.g. chlorogenic acid and other flavonoids such as quercetin.

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring plant pigments that give fruit and vegetables their deep purple, blue and red colours. Haskap berries have one of the highest recorded anthocyanin values of any berry.

Haskap berries contain up to four times more anthocyanins than blueberries. Comparison of the total anthocyanin content of different fruit is difficult due to different assessment methods, fresh and dry weight comparison, differences in cultivars and growing location. This comparison was calculated using recently published data from our own Canadian farm for blueberry and haskap.

Antioxidants are natural compounds found in certain foods, which can help our bodies fight the damage caused by potentially harmful chemicals called free radicals. These free radicals are generated as a result of normal biological processes occurring every day in our cells. The mismatch of too many free radicals and too few antioxidants can lead to a state known as oxidative stress, when damage can occur to DNA and other structures in our cells. It is thought antioxidants in our diet can help fight chronic oxidative stress associated with the development of these chronic diseases.

Polyphenols are naturally occurring plant compounds found in fruits, vegetables, dark chocolate, tea and wine. More than 8,000 different polyphenols have been identified with a range of properties including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The two main subgroups of polyphenols are flavonoids and phenolic acids. Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid.

Flavonoids are a broad group of nutrients found in most fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids are divided into 6 main subclasses; flavonols, flavones, flavanones, flavan-3-ols, isoflavones, and anthocyanins. Scientists are continuing to research flavonoids to better understand the health benefits of consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

There is a long history of haskap berries being used in traditional medicine in Japan, Russia and China. The haskap was named by the indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido, northern Japan who knew it as the ‘elixir of life’. More recently, Haskap breeding programs have been introduced by pioneering North American breeders such as Dr. Maxime Thompson (Oregon State University) and Dr. Bob Bors (University of Saskatchewan). See the excellent University of Saskatchewan Fruit Program website: https://research-groups.usask.ca/fruit/Fruit%20crops/haskap.php

We wanted to create a product that would capture haskap’s unique nutritional content and be available to enjoy throughout the year. The berries are gently freeze-dried to help preserve their natural goodness and high levels of anthocyanins. The powder is made using berries from our own farm and other carefully selected Canadian suppliers.

The powder tastes just like the berries - uniquely delicious and described as a distinctive blend of tangy and sweet

Haskap berry powder is a vibrant red-purple colour which turns food and drinks a rich and beautiful hue. The purple colour is created by the mix of the berry’s outer blue-purple skin and deep crimson flesh

Haskapa berry powder is super-versatile and tastes great. Use as you would other fruit or berry powders - simply a teaspoon in your smoothie, shake, or stirred into breakfast cereal, porridge or yogurt. Haskap berry powder is also brilliant in baking and desserts - adding natural colour and a unique delicious taste.

Follow us on social media for more recipe and usage ideas.

Each 100g pouch contains around 800 pure freeze-dried powdered haskap berries and nothing else.

One teaspoon is equivalent to eating a handful of berries. We enjoy blending 1-2 teaspoons per day into our smoothies, yoghurt and porridge.

The haskap has one of the highest recorded levels of nutritional anthocyanins of any berry. (3-4 times the amount found in blueberries.) They are also high in Vitamin C.

It’s a truly clean food, with a single ingredient. We don’t add sugar, dyes, preservatives or anything artificial at all. This truly super superfood is also gluten-free and Vegan.

Haskapa are continuing to work with scientists to research the potential positive effects of haskap berries.

Bell, L. & Williams, C.M. Eur J Nutr (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-018-1877-9

Haskapa freeze dried powder is made from 100% natural berries with no added sugars, sweeteners, colours or preservatives. It is wheat-free (does not naturally contain gluten), vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free.

Unless you have a known berry allergy, it is safe to eat the recommended daily serving as part of a balanced diet.

If you are pregnant or taking medication, please check with your doctor first.

It is important to seal the bag carefully after each use and then store the powder in a cool, dark, dry place.

Online from this website both as a one-off and as a subscription offer, or from one of our carefully selected retailers.

Please get in touch with us at hello@haskapa.com. We will do our very best to personally respond to any questions or comments as quickly as we can.