Saskatoons

Description: Saskatoon Berries, often referred to as Saskatoons are purplish-blue berries grown on a shrub type bush.  Although they look similar to blueberries they have a unique flavour that is excellent in preserves and pies and very tasty right off the bush.

Peak Season: Saskatoon berry harvest usually begins in early July and will last two to three weeks.

Storage and Handling: Store berries in a cool refrigerator OR AT 0 degrees C with 90-95%humidity. This will prolong shelf life and reduce moisture loss. Saskatoons should be consumed within 10-14 days of purchase or they can be frozen up to a year

Preparation: Saskatoons are easy to harvest, prepare and store. There is no cutting, peeling or pitting! When freezing remember - don't not wash saskatoons before you freeze them.  Place berries one layer deep on baking trays; freeze, then pack in plastic bags or containers. Rinse and drain frozen berries just before using.

Saskatoon Historical Facts

The Saskatoon Berry’s name is derived from the Cree word Mis-sask-quah-toomina, a word that sounds similar to Saskatoons.  The Aboriginal people and early pioneers used Saskatoons as a staple food in traditional foods such as pemmican.

Saskatoon Horticultural Facts

The Saskatoon grows on a shrub like bush that can grow as high as 6 metres in height.  The plants are used as commercial crop, in home gardens and as a landscape shrub.  The Saskatoon is a member of the apple family and is very hardy.  This berry is native to most areas of Canada and is also known by many other names including service berry.

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