Haskap berry

What are the origins and properties of haskap berry?

Berry fruit properties

How to grow Kamchatka berry?

What are the varieties of Kamchatka berry?

What are the origins and properties of haskap berry?

Kamchatka berry comes from Northeast Asia, where it occurs in its natural state. In the 19th century it was introduced to Canada and the United States, and in the 20th century to Europe. In Poland, the fruit has been cultivated since the 1990s. The plant is a shrub up to 1.5 meters high. The fruits are small, about 1 cm in diameter, and are black and purple in color. Kamchatka berry is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It has a sweet and sour taste and is used to produce juices, jams, compotes and tinctures.

Berry fruit properties

The plant is a valuable source of health. It has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It is also helpful in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, eye diseases and diseases of the digestive system. Its advantage is low calorie content and the fact that it is rich in fiber. It is also a source of protein and carbohydrates. It is recommended in the diet of overweight, obese and diabetic people. It is a tasty and healthy fruit that can be eaten raw, added to dishes or processed. The fruit can be used in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. The advantages of Kamchatka berry are the following facts:

• strengthens immunity – Kamchatka berries are rich in vitamin C, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system. Vitamin C helps the body fight infection and disease;

• improves blood circulation – Kamchatka berries contain anthocyanins, which are compounds with antioxidant properties. Anthoates help improve blood circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke;

• protects against cancer – Kamchatka berries contain polyphenols that have anti-cancer properties. Polyphenols help fight free radicals that can damage DNA and lead to the development of cancer;

• improves eyesight – Kamchatka berries contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are components of the yellow spot in the eye. Lutein and zeaxanthin help protect the eyes from damage caused by UV and blue light;

• supports the work of the brain – Kamchatka berries contain flavonoids that have a neuroprotective effect. Flavonoids help improve memory, concentration and cognitive functions;

• improves digestion  – Kamchatka berries contain fiber, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the digestive system. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevents constipation and bloating.

How to grow Kamchatka berry?

The plant is easy to grow and extremely resistant to low temperatures. It endures frosts up to -45 degrees Celsius, as well as periods of warming, which are characteristic of winter in Poland. Also, too large temperature fluctuations are not terrible for her. Flowers tolerate frosts down to -8 degrees Celsius. Blueberry has low soil requirements. It gives the best yield on fertile, permeable, slightly acidic soils with a pH of 5.5 – 6, sufficiently moist, but not waterlogged. However, it requires a sunny position. To plant haskap berries, follow these steps:

• dig a hole to a depth of approx. 40 cm;

• if the soil is not fertile enough, treat it with compost, manure or peat with an appropriate pH;

• place the seedling in the hole, insert it to such a depth that the upper layer of the root ball is planted flush with the ground level;

• after backfilling, straighten the seedling, compact the soil lightly and water it abundantly;

• plant at a distance of 1 meter and remember to plant two different varieties that bloom at the same time.

During flowering and fruit ripening, they should be watered abundantly. Until the end of June, you can power the bushes on.

What are the varieties of Kamchatka berry?

Kamchatka berry is a cross-pollinated species, so at least two varieties that bloom at the same time should be planted next to each other so that they can pollinate each other.

The most popular varieties for cultivation in Poland are:

• early varieties (fruit in the second half of May (Chelyabinka Zojka);

• mid-early varieties (bearing fruit at the turn of May and June): trump, Aurora, Wojtek;

• medium late varieties (fruits ripen in the first half of June): Sinoglaska;

• late varieties (fruits ripen in the second half of June and later): Boreal Blizzard, Honey Bee, Indigo Gem, Jugan, Vostorg.