Saskatoon berries (Amelanchier alnifolia) are very similar to blueberries, although they are more closely related to the apple family. Many would describe the taste of Saskatoon Berry as a sweet, nutty almond flavour.
They are high in fibre, protein and antioxidants. The berries ripen in late June or early July. You can store them frozen well, making them available all year round. This variety grows in almost all conditions, from sea level to mountains, and are less fussy about soil conditions than blueberries.
Like the apple family, Saskatoons continue to ripen after they are picked. Fully ripe berries are sweeter and have a fuller fruit flavour, but are softer and easier to damage.
Saskatoon berries grow into a deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach 2-3 metres in height. The mature shrubs have white flowers each spring. Saskatoons are native to North America and grow wild from Alaska to Maine.
