Aurora Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Killarney Raspberry
Lonicera caerulea Aurora
Rubus x Killarney
Aurora Haskap is considered one of the top Haskap varieties, known for its excellent flavour and lower acidity, resulting in a sweeter taste. The flavour of Haskaps is generally described as a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry. Aurora Haskaps are well suited to fresh eating, freezing, baking, and preserves.
It produces high yields of large berries and the upright growth habit makes it suitable for mechanical harvesting. The berries are easily seen on the bush, making them easy to pick.
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.
Aurora Haskap is an early-pollinating variety and pairs well with Borealis, Tundra, Honey Bee, and Indigo Gem.
Killarney Raspberry is extremely robust, with some of the best cold and disease resistance available. This could be due, in part, to it being bred in Manitoba.
It is also known for its good flavor and for being firmer than other varieties, which lends to its use in processing like pies, jams, and jellies or for U-Picks.
The Killarney Raspberry is a fast-growing floricane. This means that raspberries will not grow on canes the year they first grow. The mature canes they do grow on, however, produce more berries than primocane varieties.