Haskap History

 Haskaps Have a Rich History in Canada and the World

What's in a name?

Haskaps grow in the northern hemisphere of the world and are known by many names.

In Japan, the term “haskap” or “hasukappu” means “little present on the end of a branch”. They are recognized by the Japanese Ainu aborigines as the “elixir of life” due to their many therapeutic properties. These include reducing the effects of glaucoma and risk of heart attack, prevention of anemia, cure for malaria and gastrointestinal diseases, slowing the aging process, and providing elasticity to skin. In Hokkaido Island, a juice processor sells its product as a “Gold remedy for the eternal youth and longevity”

In Russia the name is pronounced “zhimolost”.

In Canada we call them haskaps, after the Japanese name, because the varieties we grow come from their cross-pollinated breeds. These varieties have been developed at the University of Saskatchewan, where they have the world's largest breeding program. Names used less commonly in Canada are Honeyberries, Camerise, Sweetberry Honeysuckle and Edible Honeysuckle.