Saskatoons
The Trees
The saskatoon is also referred to as saskatoon berry, serviceberry or Juneberry. It is extremely adaptable and can grow under a wide range of environmental conditions. Saskatoon plants begin to bear fruit when they are two to four years old.
The saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia) is a small to large shrub with an average mature height of 8-10 feet. It is closely related to the apple, hawthorn and mountain ash. The saskatoon is a perennial fruit bearing shrub which is capable to adapting to a wide range of soils and climatic conditions. The saskatoon is nat
ive to the Canadian Prairies, the Northwest Territories, the Yukon, Alaska, British Columbia and the northwestern and north central United States. Small, white flowers typically appear in early May to early June with the fruit ripening to a deep purple in early summer.
The Fruit
The fruit can be used in many ways including pies, jellies, jams, muffins, wine and ice cream toppings. The berries can be enjoyed fresh, frozen or dried.There have been numerous studies and research on the nutritional values of saskatoons. The berries are high in antioxidants with their rich dark purple color coming from anthocyanins. In recent year they have been referred to as a 'superfruit' due to their antioxidant properties.
Saskatoon berries are often compared to that of the blueberries, which have had strong market appeal and marketplace success. The Saskatoon Berries however are significantly higher in protein, fat, fibre, calcium, magnesium, manganese, barium, and aluminum than the blueberries. and are lower in phosphorus and sulfur. Saskatoon berries are also a source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C.