In the northern lower peninsula of Michigan there are currently over 20 commercial growers that have 50 to 10, plants each. We are currently working on a survey of operations in several other states and the Canadian provinces. Saskatoon berries have a variety of names throughout North America, including: prairie berry, serviceberry, shadbush, juneberry and, in past centuries, pigeon berry. This Cree word is also the source of the city name Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, which is located on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River.
These names are also used for some similar varieties of berries and also for ornamental plants. Saskatoon berries appear to be an excellent source of manganese, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, copper and carotene. Saskatoon berries are considered a better source of calcium than red meats, vegetables and cereals. Recent research indicates saskatoons have very high components of phenolics, flavonols and anthocyanins.
Saskatoons are high in natural sugar, rich in Vitamin C, and also contain more than three times as much iron and copper in the same weight as raisins. Mazza G Compositional and functional properties of saskatoon berry and blueberry. Fruit Sci. The intense purple color of saskatoon berries is due to the presence of pigments called anthocyanins. Flavonoid compounds have been attributed to provide health benefits against chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, and macular degeneration.
The deep color of saskatoon berries suggest that this fruit should contain high levels of anthocyanins and antioxidant activity similar to blueberries. Particularly for saskatoon phenolics, inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase enzymes involved in mechanisms of inflammation and pain have been demonstrated in vitro. The following chart compares the nutritional benefits of saskatoons compared to some other common berries.
Antioxidant rich fruits reportedly have anti-cancer, anti-aging, and anti-heart disease effects on human body, reducing cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, and acting as a protective guard to our immune systems. The ORAC oxygen radical absorbance capacity value is one of the methods used to measure the total antioxidant activity in fruit. In the tables below the ORAC values show saskatoon berries are naturally high in antioxidants and rank highest in both fresh fruit and in fruit pulp relative to other common fruits.
Research evidence shows that antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of cancers. Ozga, J. Anthocyanins and nutrient components of saskatoon fruits Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.
Plant Sci. Nothlings, S. Blooming time of the saskatoon is usually May or June, often before the leaves are fully developed. Bees and other insects that assist pollination are attracted to saskatoon flowers because of their white petals and sweet fragrance. Saskatoon flowers can self-fertilize, but when they are cross-pollinated by bees, more berries seem to be produced.
The berries ripen in June or July, and each berry contains five to ten whitish seeds. The size of a saskatoon patch increases as the spreading roots send up new shoots — this addition of more shoots is called vegetative reproduction. In fall, saskatoon leaves turn yellow-orange. Deer, elk and moose feast on the tips of saskatoon branches in winter and enjoy the leaves in summer.
Sharp-tailed grouse eat the buds in winter and spring. The berries are important fall and winter food for birds, who spread the seed in their droppings. Other animals that eat saskatoon fruit include bears, chipmunks and squirrels — these animals also help spread seeds via their faeces. Because saskatoon tends to grow in thickets it provides good wildlife habitat, providing cover for mammals and nesting birds.
Amelanchier alnifolia grows most vigorously and productively as a member of a fire-successional plant community. Controlled burning can be used to promote and maintain extremely productive saskatoon patches. Most intensities of fire will kill the aboveground parts of saskatoon, but roots and underground stems near the soil surface will sprout, and the density of saskatoon shrubs appears to increase after fire. If the soil is moist, saskatoon can survive, through sprouting, even the most intense fires.
Saskatoon berries were the most important plant food used by the Blackfoot peoples of the prairies. The fruit was used in ceremonies and the plant had sacred significance. Summer camps were moved to good picking locations, and berries were collected, dried and used in making pemmican.
Arrow shafts were made from the hard, straight-grained wood. Saskatoon was also used in many medicines. The light green indicates light crops at the beginning or end of a season - dark green is when the bulk of the crop ripens and picking is best.
Above is the version of the Ball Blue Book. The majority of commercial orchards are present in Manitoba , Saskatchewan and Alberta. Most saskatoon orchards sell their fruit directly off the farm to customers, fresh or frozen. Some farms are u-pick operations while others offer pre-picked berries. Many orchards have begun selling their fruit for processing into jams, pie fillings, fruit toppings and syrups.
Saskatoons have similar nutritional properties to other dark-coloured berries and, as with all fruits, are a good source of antioxidants. Richard G. Search The Canadian Encyclopedia. Remember me. I forgot my password.
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