Unless you grew up on the Canadian Prairies, the phrase “Saskatoon Berries” probably means nothing to you. My mind, however, instantly conjures images of long summer days out in the forest picking—and inconspicuously eating—Saskatoon berries with my mom and younger siblings.
What's With the Name?
The name Saskatoon is derived from the Cree word misâskwatômina (Mis-sack-qua-too-mina), which means “the fruit of the tree with many branches.”They may look like the blueberry’s baby cousin, but in actuality, Saskatoon’s are more closely related to apples and roses #themoreyouknow.
Ripe berries are a deep blue-purplish colour and are slightly smaller than blueberries. They can be eaten raw or cooked. Some people say they have a slight almond-like flavour. Personally, I find them sweet, "wild," and earthy tasting.
Historically, they were used by our Indigenous peoplesto treat liver ailments and as a laxative. The berries were also a welcome addition to pemmican—a paste made from animal fat and protein after being dried. The Saskatoon's became such an integral part of society that the berries were used as a currency and trade item.
Nutritional Stats
For being such a small berry, they sure pack a nutritional punch! Each 100g serving contains a dose of manganese, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, fibre, protein, and antioxidants. They may also have the potential to prevent cancer, heart disease, and eye tissue degeneration due to the presence of special pigments called flavonoids.
Recipe Inspiration
Saskatchewanians (yes, this is a word) have found ways to incorporate these berries into nearly all of their favourite dishes. The most notable are Saskatoon Berry Pie—top your pie with Saskatoon Berry ice cream for a double dose—jam, and herbal tea.
Basically, anywhere you can use blueberries, you can use Saskatoon's. Add them on top of ice cream (heck, you could even blend them into the ice cream), make some berry crisp, throw them in overnight oats, on oatmeal, or in muffins, smoothies, breakfast cookies, and pancakes.
Need some more inspiration? Give some of these fool-proof recipesto try and incorporate more of these underrated berries into your life.
FAQs
Enjoy fresh or frozen saskatoon berries with some sweet cream or ice cream. You can also dry them and make fruit leather. To enjoy their flavor throughout the year, turn them into jams, jellies, syrups, wine, or liqueurs. Add them to desserts and baked food.
Can you eat saskatoon berries raw? ›
The berries can be eaten raw, cooked in puddings, pies, and muffins, or used in combination with other berries. They can also be dried and used to replace raisins in recipes. Today, especially in Western Canada we most often enjoy them in pies or desserts or preserves for both sweet and savory applications.
What are saskatoon berries called in the USA? ›
SASKATOON BERRIES, JUNEBERRIES AND SERVICEBERRIES
The reason for this was that researchers at Cornell University found that although Americans loved the taste of Saskatoon berries, the name Saskatoon berry didn't resonate as well as Juneberry. That's why you'll hear it referred to by both names in North America.
What does a Saskatoon berry taste like? ›
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.
What is the rule for eating berries? ›
Avoid white and yellow berries, as most of them are poisonous. Blue and black berries are usually safe to eat. The "berry rule" is that 10% of white and yellow berries are edible; 50% of red berries are edible; 90% of blue, black, or purple berries are edible, and 99% of aggregated berries are edible.
What is the best way to eat berries? ›
What to Do With Berries
- Berry desserts (berry cobblers, crumbles, pies)
- Oatmeals and other breakfast foods.
- Berry smoothies.
- Fruit salad with berries.
- Berry dressings and sauces.
- Berry jam.
- Fruit popsicles.
- Use them as a garnish in drinks like mocktails.
TRADITIONAL USES BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Saskatoon berry juice is used to cure stomach ailments, and is a mild laxative.
How do you prepare berries for eating? ›
Wash: Wash produce by rinsing berries under cool running water. Use your hands or a scrub brush to help to remove any dirt or debris. Pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Should you wash berries before eating? ›
Blueberries (and other produce) should not be washed as soon as they're brought home. Rather, they should be washed shortly before they're eaten. Then store them in the fridge (more on this later) if you don't intend to eat them. "We recommend washing produce just prior to consumption," Melendez says.
Do saskatoons grow in the USA? ›
Saskatoons are native to western Canada, north western USA, Alaska, Yukon and the NWT.
Several cultivars of Saskatoon serviceberry are available for ornamental plantings and commercial fruit production in North America. Many of these cultivars and ecotypes originated in western Canada and the northern region of the United States.
How do you clean Saskatoon berries? ›
If you are picking your own berries from a you-pick orchard, you will have to wash and sort your berries before storage. Remove any stems, leaves or soft or damaged berries and rinse them in cool water. Drain in a large colander or salad spinner and let dry on a paper towel.
Is a huckleberry the same as a Saskatoon Berry? ›
To simplify it botanically, saskatoons are a member of the Rose family (Rosaceae), while huckleberries are members of the heather family (Ericaceae). So they're not even cousins, I'm afraid. (And my apologies for the jargon.) Of course, that doesn't mean that they can't both be delicious!
Are Saskatoon berries good for dogs? ›
Saskatoon serviceberries pack a nutritional punch with compounds similar to those in apples and pears. They're rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Crucially, they lack substances harmful to dogs, like theobromine found in chocolate.
Are saskatoon berries high in sugar? ›
These are also high in natural sugar, Vitamin C and contains triple quantity as much of the iron and copper.
Are saskatoon berries good for you? ›
Rich with vitamins (riboflavin, vitamin A and C, folate, biotin), minerals (iron, manganese, potassium), phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and hydroxycinnamic acids, saskatoon berries are great for maintaining or improving your health, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease, fighting cancer, and more!
Are saskatoons a superfood? ›
Packed with antioxidants, they're considered a superfood and you can grow them in your garden. See below for some of the benefits of Saskatoons: Over six times the amount of calcium and twice the manganese of blueberries. More protein, fat, fibre, and iron than blueberries.
