Haskap Berry: A Northern Superfruit with Remarkable Health Benefits

Haskap berry, also known as “camerise” in French, is a Japanese term meaning “berry of long life and good vision.” This small, elongated fruit offers a unique flavor often described as a blend of blueberry, blackcurrant, and raspberry. Native to northern regions and well-adapted to cold climates, haskap is gaining popularity in Quebec thanks to its remarkable health benefits and status as a superfruit. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, haskap is a powerful natural ally for your well-being. Let’s explore its benefits together!

An Exceptional Source of Antioxidants

Haskap is among the fruits with the highest antioxidant content available in Quebec. These compounds play a key role in protecting our cells from damage caused by free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

• Polyphenols and Anthocyanins: Haskap contains impressive amounts of anthocyanins, the natural pigments responsible for its deep blue-purple color. These compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their protective effects against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases (Rupasinghe et al., 2018).
• ORAC Power: The ORAC index, which measures an ingredient’s antioxidant capacity, ranks haskap as having a higher antioxidant potential than blueberries and cranberries (Bakowska-Barczak et al., 2007).

Cardiovascular Health Support

Regular consumption of haskap can positively impact heart health.

• Inflammation Reduction: The polyphenols in haskap help reduce inflammation, a key factor in cardiovascular diseases (Rupasinghe et al., 2018).

• Improved Blood Circulation: Anthocyanins promote vascular health by improving blood vessel elasticity and reducing the risk of hypertension.

• Lower LDL Cholesterol: Preliminary studies show that haskap’s active compounds may help reduce bad cholesterol levels.

Immune System Boost

Rich in vitamin C, haskap is an excellent choice to strengthen your immune defenses.

• Infection Prevention: A serving of haskap provides a significant amount of vitamin C, which helps stimulate the production of white blood cells essential for immune defense.

• Antiviral and Antimicrobial Properties: Haskap extracts have shown promising effects against certain viruses and bacteria (Rupasinghe et al., 2018).

Cognitive Health Benefits

Haskap’s neuroprotective properties make it a great brain-boosting food.

• Neuron Protection: Anthocyanins help reduce oxidative stress in the brain, which may slow age-related cognitive decline.

• Memory Enhancement: Studies have shown that consuming berries rich in polyphenols can improve cognitive function and short-term memory (Bakowska-Barczak et al., 2007).

Digestive Support and Weight Management

Thanks to its fiber content, haskap supports healthy digestion and can aid in maintaining a balanced weight.

• Dietary Fiber: Promotes regular bowel movements and nourishes beneficial gut bacteria.

• Low in Calories: Haskap is an ideal snack for those watching their calorie intake without sacrificing nutrients.

How to Consume Haskap

Haskap is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Fresh or Frozen: Add it to smoothies, yogurt, or cereal. The berry is harvested in July in Quebec, with several small-scale growers offering it locally.

• Juice or Concentrate: Perfect for a quick antioxidant boost. Haskap concentrates offer a convenient alternative—thanks to their high concentration (4,958 mg per 5 ml), they provide the recommended dose in a small serving. Haskap is featured in the Immunia SYNERGY concentrate, a unique formula combining six of Quebec’s most antioxidant-rich fruits, including haskap!

• Jams and Balsamic: Haskap is delicious in pies, jellies, or sauces for your dishes. Try Medalys’ haskap balsamic, which blends 8-year-aged Italian balsamic vinegar with the fruit’s sweet and tangy flavor.

Why Choose Quebec-Grown Haskap?

Beyond its health benefits, choosing haskap grown in Quebec supports local agriculture and reduces the ecological footprint of imported foods. Many Quebec growers cultivate this berry with care, ensuring a high-quality, fresh, and flavorful product. Whether you’re looking to protect your heart, boost your immunity, or support digestion, this berry is a smart and tasty choice.

Learn More:

Sources

• Rupasinghe, H. P., et al. (2018). “Nutritional and Health Benefits of Haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.).” Frontiers in Pharmacology.

• Bakowska-Barczak, A. M., et al. (2007). “Characteristics of Canadian high-bush blueberry and haskap berry.” Journal of Food Science.

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. (2020). “Haskap: An Emerging Fruit in Canada.”

• Zadernowski, R., et al. (2005). “Phenolic acid profiles in berries.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

• The potential health benefits of haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.): Role of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Dalhousie University, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. Journal of Functional Foods, 44 (2018), 24–39.