Farmers in Canada see a bright future for honeysuckle

The health benefits are fueling the growth of the berry industry. But for producers of honeysuckle berries health benefits is just one of the big pluses, along with the curiosity to try something completely new.

Eldon Smith is a retired doctor, who is going to organize a small farm.

"I have heard the name honeysuckle, and did some research. I was fascinated by the health attributes of this berry and decided that it would be great to take part in implementing it, " says Smith.

Growers say the berries of honeysuckle are noteworthy because they contain three times more antioxidants than blueberries and more vitamin C than an orange.

Honeysuckle is part of a family of honeysuckle and long, reminiscent of blueberries. These plants are native to Russia and Japan, where the berry received its name. Breeding programs began in Canada and in the United States in the late 1990-ies.It is also known as honeyberry.

"Berry has a deep red flesh and a flavor somewhere between blackberries, raspberries and black currants," says Liam, Tayler, Haskapa commercial Director - cooperative producers of honeysuckle from Nova Scotia.

It's not just a big blueberry

Despite external similarity with the blueberries, the manufacturers say that the resemblance stops. The plants of honeysuckle grow well, need a more alkaline soil.These bushes are hardy and are well suited for cold areas.Before joining the mass fruiting takes place Colo five or six years. The yield from four to five pounds per Bush.In addition, the berries ripen very early, about the same time as strawberries.

"This can provide a big advantage to manufacturers in the local market of fresh fruits and also give the possibility of operating processing facilities, which otherwise will have to wait for the rest of the summer to shred other fruits," says Richard Mayon-white of the Western Branch Haskap Orchards in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Picking berries honeysuckle manually is time-consuming.Farmers say that it is better to switch to mechanized harvest, as soon as the bushes will be formed.

The berries have a good future

Producers in Canada rely on the fame of honeysuckle in Japan as a premium berry's health in North America.

"We are confident that the future is really positive for honeysuckle.Here in Canada and the United States seem to be a huge interest in this berry, but also because the health benefits are more fully investigated, there are real opportunities," says Mayon-white.

Anna Ustymenko, SAP Club