Honeyberries: Summer Sweetness

Summertime is berry season! You've eaten strawberries, blackberries, maybe even gooseberries - but have you tried the honeyberry yet? Fresh from Honeyberry USA in Bagley, this little blue jewel might just be your new favorite summer fruit.

They look a little like elongated blueberries, but are actually a variety of edible honeysuckle native to Russia and Japan - so they're hardy plants and relatively resistant to the cold. That's not the only reason they're so loved, though - just look in the name! Their tasty, sweet flavor is hard to describe, so it may be best to just say it's a "mystery berry" flavor, reminding some people of blackberry, cherry and even grape or kiwi. With a very thin skin, the zesty berries melt in your mouth! These healthy berries can be eaten fresh off the bush, or used fresh or frozen in your favorite blueberry recipe. They have even more antioxidants than blueberries, too, as well as lots of fiber and vitamin C.

Don't just take our word for it, though - check out this great video from Snackster Sam! Snackster Sam has discovered honeyberries! (Yes, honeyberries that were picked right here at The Honeyberry Farm!) Download the free snackin' app that contains fun information about food the grows in the form of videos, games, story books, crafts, activities and more!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8IYsZhOQNQ

Honeyberries are delicious all kinds of ways! Enjoy them in all of your favorite berry recipes - from ice cream to cobbler and straight off the plant. They freeze well, too! Grab a pint from our produce section and try this tasty recipe (courtesy of Bernis and Jim at Honeyberry USA) - that is, if you can wait to eat them all!

Honeyberry Flip

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup milk

1 1/2 c berries

Directions:

* Set oven to 375F & heat 9” pan in oven while pre-heating. Cast iron works great!

* Melt butter in pan

* Combine dry ingredients, add milk and stir

* Pour batter over butter

* Add fruit to top of batter (do not stir)

Bake at 375F for 35-45 min. Dough will rise and “flip” over the fruit while baking. (from www.honeyberryusa.com/recipes.html)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpS4IZJZ_hU

See even more videos about honeyberry growing, collecting, and more here at their blog!