Haskap—also known as blue honeysuckle or honeyberry—was known to the ancient Japanese as “the fruit of longevity.” It originates from the island of Hokkaido—Japan’s northernmost island territory—and was introduced to Canada in the 1950s as an ornamental. By the late 1990s, scientists had developed hardy varieties with tasty fruits that are now prized for their health benefits. 

Haskap fruit is similar to blueberries in colour, but it is elongated and slightly cylindrical—more like a mini plum. The plant is not a close cousin of blueberries or cranberries: it’s is more closely related to the tomato. 

Blueberries are well known for containing polyphenol antioxidants, but Haskap berries have five times the amount, making them an antioxidant superfood. 

Polyphenols provide the fruit with natural protection against ultraviolet radiation, fungal attack and other pathogens. In humans, these antioxidants help prevent heart disease, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and neurodegenerative diseases. 

The phenolic content in this berry is directly associated with its colour and flavour. The skin of red grapes also contains high concentrations, which helps explain red wine’s colour and its antioxidant properties. But the flesh of most red grapes is actually white. Haskap berries, on the other hand, have flesh that is reddish-purple. That means the berries have high phenol content throughout, and not just in the skin, giving Haskap a higher antioxidant score and superior health benefits.