Honey Bee Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Martin Saskatoon (Serviceberry)
Lonicera caerulea Honey Bee
Amelanchier alnifolia Martin
Honey Bee Haskap produces tarter fruit than the Aurora and Borealis varieties and is known for bearing fruit at a younger age. The flavour of Haskaps is generally described as a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry. Honey Bee Haskaps are well suited to fresh eating, freezing, baking, and preserves.
The Honey Bee Haskap has stronger fruit holds than other varieties so the berries stay on the bush longer. The berries do not roll well so they are not recommended for mechanical harvesting.
For optimal fruit production, cross-pollination is required. Haskaps need to be planted with a compatible variety. Compatibility is influenced by both bloom time and genetics.
Honey Bee Haskap is an early-pollinating variety and pairs well with Aurora, Borealis, Tundra, and Indigo Gem.
Martin Saskatoon is a prairie hardy shrub. The berries have a large size and a delicious taste. This species has consistent yield, making it great for both orchards and small gardens. The berries ripen uniformly, making them convenient for machine harvesting.