Haskap berries: The unknown superfood for a healthy diet!

Haskap berries: The unknown superfood for a healthy diet!

The haskap berry, also known as mayberry or honeyberry, is gaining interest as a new superfood. These blue-violet fruits originate in Siberia, but also grow in home gardens and are increasingly being cultivated in Germany. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture reports that the cultivation of haskap berries is being tested on some German farms, as the fruit is not yet widespread in Germany.

Haskap berries are frost hardy and are characterized by their special taste, which is reminiscent of a mixture of blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. Despite their health benefits, they have only been approved as a novel food in Europe since the end of 2018. Anja Schwengel-Exner, nutrition expert at the Bavarian Consumer Center, explains that haskap berries have antioxidant properties due to their high anthocyanin content, which is responsible for the blue color. These help to fight harmful free radicals in the body.

Vitamins and minerals in haskap berries

There are many valuable nutrients in the haskap berry. It contains significant amounts of vitamins C, A and E as well as minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium. Whether fresh, freeze-dried, in muesli or processed into juice and jam - the haskap berry can be used in a variety of ways. It is now sometimes referred to as the “miracle berry”, but it remains to be said that the consumer advice center classifies it as being as healthy as the better-known local berries such as blueberries, raspberries or blackberries in terms of its health benefits.

An interesting aspect of haskap berries is their phytochemicals, which are also found in other berries. These bioactive substances could vary depending on the growing region, climate and variety. The consumer advice center emphasizes that a healthy diet does not only depend on haskap berries, but that many regional berries also offer valuable nutrients.

Alternatives from the region

There are a variety of regional alternatives for everyone who wants to eat healthily. When in season, blackcurrants, strawberries, raspberries and aronia berries are as tasty as they are healthy. These fruits are rich in vitamins, including vitamin C and folic acid, and contain important minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium. Blueberries also offer healthy fiber and have positive effects on health.

The haskap berry shows that there are more and more fresh, regional alternatives that can be integrated into our diet. While they are still considered exotic in many parts of the world, it will be exciting to see whether they will gain a permanent place in the German fruit range. The development of haskap berries in German agriculture could be important not only for cultivation, but also for culinary diversity. For this and other information on health topics, see the article at www.fuldaerzeitung.de.