Why Haskaps Are a True Superfruit

Here at Oak Knoll Farm, just outside Winnipeg in Springfield, Manitoba, we’ve seen firsthand how one little berry can make a big impact. On just two acres of our regenerative farm, we grow nearly 2000 haskap bushes—and each year, these humble shrubs yield thousands of kilograms of nutrient-dense, flavour-packed berries.

But haskaps aren’t just delicious. They’re one of the most powerful superfruits you’ve probably never heard of.

Let’s dive into why haskaps deserve a spot in your diet—and why we’re proud to grow them here at Oak Knoll.

A Nutritional Powerhouse in Every Berry

Haskaps (also known as honeyberries or Lonicera caerulea) are loaded with nutrients that support whole-body health:

  • Antioxidants: Rich in anthocyanins—up to 3x more than blueberries—which help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.

  • Vitamin C: Just 100g of haskaps can provide nearly half your daily recommended intake.

  • High fiber, low sugar: These berries support gut health while keeping blood sugar stable.

  • Brain and heart health: Research suggests their antioxidant content may support cognitive function and reduce cardiovascular risk.

In short: if you’re looking for a naturally grown, nutrient-packed berry that hasn’t been over-hybridized or flown halfway around the world, haskaps are it.

The Flavor Is Wild

One of the most surprising things about haskaps? Their taste. People describe them as a blend of:

  • Blueberry

  • Raspberry

  • Black currant

  • With a little zing of tart cherry or even rhubarb

This complex flavor makes them incredibly versatile. On our farm and at Pineridge Hollow, you’ll find haskaps used in everything from:

  • Scones

  • Glazes for pork or duck

  • Drinks

  • Jams and syrups

  • Smoothies, yogurt bowls, and more

They shine equally in sweet and savory dishes—offering a homegrown alternative to more common imports like açaí or goji berries.

Why We Chose to Grow Haskaps at Oak Knoll

While haskaps are gaining popularity for their nutritional benefits, we also chose them because they align beautifully with our regenerative principles:

  • They’re hardy: Perfectly suited for Manitoba winters and early springs.

  • They thrive without chemicals: We grow them using biodynamic practices and natural soil fertility—no sprays, no synthetic fertilizers.

  • They support pollinators: As one of the earliest blooming fruits, haskaps provide vital spring nectar to bees and other beneficial insects.

And since they’re native to northern climates like ours, they feel right at home in our diverse orchard alongside apples, pears, sea buckthorn, and elderberries.

Eat Local, Feel Good

Haskaps are a prime example of what we believe at Oak Knoll: food should be deeply nourishing, ecologically responsible, and connected to place.

Our berries aren’t trucked in from distant countries or picked underripe. They’re harvested by hand, often enjoyed the same day, and featured proudly at The Farmer’s Kitchen and Pineridge Hollow—less than 10 minutes from where they were grown.

Want to Try Them?

We invite you to taste haskaps in everything from jams to syrups to seasonal dishes. You’ll find them:

  • In our products at The Farmer’s Kitchen Grocery Store

  • Featured in meals at Pineridge Hollow

  • Available in limited quantities fresh during harvest— purchase them pre-picked or come and enjoy the beauty of the farm and U-Pick


jan regehr