The Tart-Sweet Revolution: How Haskap Berry Farms Near Edmonton Are Fuelling a Local Food Movement

Image source: madeinalberta.co

There’s a quiet revolution taking root in the fertile soils just beyond Edmonton’s city limits.

It’s not loud or flashy, but it’s bursting with a deep purple colour and a complex flavour that has local chefs, distillers, and food lovers buzzing.

This is the rise of the haskap berry, a fruit that’s rapidly transforming from a prairie curiosity into a cornerstone of the region's vibrant local food scene.

Spearheading this movement are the haskap (honeyberry) farms near Edmonton, particularly those scattered across the agricultural heartlands of Sturgeon County and Parkland County.

These are not just farms; they are the epicentres of a new agricultural identity for the region, supplying the tart-sweet berries that are finding their way into the city’s most creative kitchens and craft distilleries.

The flavour is often described as a tantalizing blend of blueberry, raspberry, and black currant.

It's a taste that is uniquely Albertan, thanks to the hardy varieties developed to thrive in our challenging climate.

One of the most prominent names in this burgeoning industry is Rosy Farms, located northwest of St. Albert in Sturgeon County.

Run by Andrew Rosychuk, a city-slicker-turned-farmer, this 76-acre organic orchard has become a destination for those seeking an authentic farm experience.

Rosychuk is a passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture, focusing on building healthy soil and a thriving ecosystem.

His farm isn't just about growing berries; it's about creating a sustainable model for the future of prairie farming.

During the short but intense harvest season, typically in July, Rosy Farms opens for U-pick, inviting families to wander through rows of six different haskap varieties and pick the fruit until their fingers are stained purple.

They’ve also become a local hub, offering charcuterie boxes featuring other local producers and drinks from collaborators like Fort Distillery and Old Station Meadery.

Further west, you’ll find other dedicated growers shaping the landscape.

Blas Berry Orchard in Spruce Grove and Bokey Blooms Farms in Sturgeon County are also key players, offering U-pick experiences and supplying the growing demand for this unique berry.

The dedication of these farmers is palpable.

They are cultivating a fruit that is perfectly suited for Alberta's cold winters and long summer days, a berry hardy enough to withstand temperatures down to minus 50 degrees Celsius.

This resilience is part of what makes the haskap, also known as the honeyberry, so special.

The science behind these hardy plants often traces back to the University of Saskatchewan, where Dr. Bob Bors led a breeding program that developed the flavourful and robust varieties grown across the prairies today.

But the story doesn't end in the field.

The journey of the haskap berry continues in Edmonton, where its unique flavour profile is being embraced by local artisans.

That tart, juicy burst is the perfect ingredient for jams, syrups, and baked goods, offering a local alternative to more common berries.

 Local distilleries are infusing gins with its vibrant colour and taste, creating spirits that speak directly of their origin.

Gelato shops are churning out scoops of deep purple haskap sorbetto, a refreshing taste of the Alberta summer.

This symbiotic relationship between farm and city is fuelling a powerful local food movement.

Consumers are increasingly seeking connection to where their food comes from, and farms like Rosy Farms, 795 Haskap Berry Farm near Leduc, and Broken Tine Orchard near Beaverlodge are answering that call.

They host open farm days, participate in farmers' markets like the popular ones on 124th Street and in St. Albert, and sell their berries directly to the public, frozen or fresh.

This direct pipeline ensures that the flavour and nutritional benefits of the berries are at their peak.

And the health benefits are significant.

Haskaps are lauded as a superfruit, boasting up to three times the antioxidants of blueberries.

They are packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and anti-inflammatory properties, earning them the Japanese nickname, “fruit of longevity.”

This nutritional punch adds another layer to their appeal.

The growth of haskap farming is more than just a new crop; it's a diversification of Alberta's agricultural identity.

For generations, the story of farming here has been dominated by canola, wheat, and barley.

Haskap (honeyberry) farms near Edmonton are writing a new chapter, one that is delicious, sustainable, and deeply connected to the local community.

It’s a story of innovation, resilience, and the sweet taste of a prairie super-berry that is finally getting the attention it deserves.

As more Edmontonians discover the unique taste grown in their own backyard, the tart-sweet revolution of the haskap berry is set to become an enduring part of our local flavour.

Our reader's top asked questions

What is a haskap berry?

Haskap, also known as honeyberry, is a nutrient-dense berry that thrives in cold climates like Alberta's. It has an elongated shape similar to a blueberry but offers a more complex, tart-sweet flavour profile often compared to a mix of blueberry, raspberry, and black currant.

When is haskap picking season near Edmonton?

The U-pick season for haskap berries is typically short and sweet, usually lasting for a few weeks in July. It's always best to check the websites or social media pages of individual farms like Rosy Farms or Blas Berry Orchard for specific dates and availability, as the season is highly dependent on weather conditions.

Where can I buy haskap products in Edmonton?

You can buy fresh or frozen haskap berries directly from local U-pick farms during the season. Many of these farms, including Rosy Farms, also sell products like jam, juice, and pies at their on-farm stores and at major Edmonton farmers' markets. Additionally, look for products like haskap gin or gelato from local artisan producers who source their berries from these regional farms.