Nature's candy: Saskatoon berries are almost here! We're tracking their progress with one of our arts projects this year.
Berry Good News: Saskatoon Berry Season Is Here
You know that feeling when you start seeing them? Those beautiful little berries on the branches, plumping up, hints of deep purple beginning to show. It’s happening! For us, this year, it’s extra special because one of our arts and food systems innovation projects involves following the progress of these berries right from early spring through to their late summer harvest. We’ve been capturing their journey through photography and weaving their growth into our storytelling, and now, we’re almost there! It won’t be long now before we’re out there, buckets in hand, picking in earnest. This year’s crop looks absolutely promising.
For us, the Saskatoon berry isn’t just any berry; it’s a taste of home, and of summer. If you’ve never tried one, imagine something subtly sweet, with a hint of almond and a lovely juiciness, kind of like a cross between a blueberry and an apple. They’re actually super hardy, native right here to North America, especially thriving across the Canadian Prairies. And get this: their name, “Saskatoon,” comes from the Cree word misâskwatômina. How cool is that?
Beyond tasting amazing, these little powerhouses are packed with good stuff too – loads of antioxidants and fiber. They’re incredibly versatile in the kitchen, showing up in everything from delicious pies and jams to muffins and even savoury dishes. But honestly, the best way to enjoy them? Fresh off the branch, warmed by the sun. There’s just nothing quite like it. This project has given us a whole new appreciation for their resilience and beauty.
Get ready for picking season!
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