Haskap U-pick · Canada's Super Fruit
Wander 9,000 chemical-free haskap bushes in Parkland County and fill your buckets with one of the prairies' most delicious berries. Family-owned since 2013, just minutes south of Spruce Grove.
Meet the haskap
Haskaps (also called honeyberries) are native to the northern boreal forest and were brought from the wild onto Canadian farms by the University of Saskatchewan's fruit program. They're one of the first fruits of the Alberta summer, and many people taste their first one right here in our rows.
Sweet-tart, somewhere between a sweet saskatoon berry and a juicy raspberry. Some say it's similar to a huckleberry.
Haskap bushes shrug off deep prairie cold, around −45 °C, and still fruit every summer.
Our orchard is chemical-free, so you can eat them straight off the bush.
Fresh, frozen, in smoothies, jam, pies and baking. They freeze beautifully.
Haskaps are our specialty. Ripening depends on the weather: a wet, cloudy spring can push opening day back, so check the status bar or call ahead before you drive out.
U-pick from mid-July for about 4 weeks · No appointment needed
Our main crop. Sweet-tart and packed with flavour.
All three were bred by the University of Saskatchewan. Ask at the stand which rows are at their best today.
Late September – early October, by appointment only
Bright orange, tangy berries prized for juice and health products. Call (780) 803-8808 to book a time.
How we grow
Haskaps have very few pest problems. Their branches are rough, and so are the undersides of their leaves, which makes them unappealing to insects. Their only real pest is birds, so you'll hear our bird squawker going while you pick!
We have the weeds to prove it! The ground between our rows is seeded with clover to feed the bees. Herbicides would kill the clover and could harm the bees and their colonies.
Why it's called a super fruit
The University of Saskatchewan Fruit Program bred the haskap varieties grown across Canada today, and researchers there and at Dalhousie University have been measuring what makes them special.
In testing with Dalhousie University, the U of S haskap varieties rated highest in antioxidants compared with other berries and grapes.
That rich colour comes from anthocyanins, natural plant pigments. Haskaps carry similar or greater levels of antioxidants than blueberries.
Haskaps contain vitamin C (behind that tangy zing), vitamin A, fibre and potassium.
Research on haskaps is ongoing and more human studies are needed. This information is general and not medical advice. Sources: University of Saskatchewan Fruit Program; Dalhousie University.
Based on comparisons by Dr. Bob Bors, head of the University of Saskatchewan Fruit Program.
| Berry | When it ripens (prairies) | Taste | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haskap | First fruit of the summer | Sweet-tart, like blueberry + raspberry | Hardy to about −45 °C; few pests or diseases; skins melt in your mouth and seeds are tiny |
| Strawberry | 2–3 weeks after early haskaps | Sweet | Late haskaps ripen near the end of strawberry season |
| Saskatoon | Weeks after early haskaps | Sweet, nutty | Usually needs pesticide and fungicide sprays; holds its shape in pies |
| Raspberry | A month or more after early haskaps | Sweet-tart | Similar flavour, so the two blend beautifully |
| Blueberry | Can't be grown on the prairies | Sweet, mild | Haskaps have similar or greater antioxidant levels |
Canadian universities are leading the world in haskap research. Here are some highlights, with links to read more.
Dalhousie University
Dr. Rupasinghe's team has studied haskaps for over a decade. In a 2015 study, polyphenols extracted from several haskap varieties reduced markers of inflammation in human cells in the lab. In 2023 his team began work with Nature's Way Canada to develop haskap extracts as natural health products.
University of Saskatchewan
Dr. Bors bred the haskap varieties grown on Canadian farms, including the ones in our orchard. In antioxidant testing with Dalhousie, the U of S varieties rated highest when compared with other berries and grapes.
University of Saskatchewan
A U of S study of five Canadian haskap varieties found they were very high in phenolics and outperformed many fruits, including blueberries, in antioxidant lab tests. Tundra, one of our varieties, scored highest.
Most of this research was done in the lab. More studies in people are needed, so please treat it as promising, not as medical advice.
A peek at picking season at Blas Berry Orchard.
Reviews from our Google listing.
Such a great farm, lots of bushes, easy to pick up haskap berries. The attendant was super nice and helpful, giving us all the tips to harvest. The fruit is delicious! As jam or pie filling, or frozen in smoothies. Can’t recommend enough :)
I had such a wonderful experience here. Amazing staff and VERY well maintained haskap berry feild. I spent 2 hours there and collected a ton of berries. They had buckets for me to borrow while picking. I brought my own food grade containers, but they graciously had the option of helping bag the berries in large zip locks. I would HIGHLY recommend this u-pick! Everything is very well organized and customer service is very good. I would recommend you to bring something to sit on, it is easier to pic this way!
We’ve been twice this year (and came last year too), so I think we’re officially Haskap regulars! Angela greeted us and was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Everything is really well organized — cartons are provided for picking, bug spray is available (just remember to use it in the designated spray zone 😄), and there are porta-potties on site. Most importantly, the Haskaps were fantastic! Lots of great berries and a really enjoyable experience. We’ll definitely be back again!
No appointment needed for haskap U-pick. Just come during open hours and we'll point you to the best rows today. Bring your own bucket or container. If you don't have one, we'll lend you a bucket and bag your berries in a zip-lock bag when you're done.
Take your time. Ripe haskaps are purple right through. Taste one: if it's tart and green inside, leave it a few more days.
Bring your berries back to the stand to weigh up. We accept cash, credit and debit.
No entry fee. You only pay for what you pick. Prices may change by season.
Closed for the season. Reopening mid-July 2027.
The season usually lasts about 4 weeks, or until the berries are all picked. It's a popular spot, so come early!
In season: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm
Sundays: 10 am – 4 pm
Haskap U-pick needs no appointment. Sea buckthorn (late September – early October) is by appointment only.
For your protection, the orchard closes and visitors must leave when there is severe weather in the area.
Hours can change with the weather. Check our Google listing or Facebook before you drive out.
51009B Range Road 273
Parkland County (Spruce Grove), AB T7Y 1H5
Right beside Sassy G's Adventure Farm. Make it a full day out with the family.
A bucket or container (or borrow one of ours), something to sit on (it makes picking easier), a sun hat, water, closed-toe shoes and sunscreen. Our rows are all grass, so no mud, but they can be wet after rain. Please use our bug spray and sunscreen spray zone. To protect the bushes, there's no spraying in the orchard.
Haskaps can be used just like other berries. Here are a few favourites to try with your harvest.
No cooking needed
Made the same way as classic raspberry freezer jam with liquid pectin, with no cooking. It keeps that fresh-picked haskap flavour. Makes about 5 cups.
Tip: Measure exactly and don't reduce the sugar. It's needed for the jam to set. Make one batch at a time.
Blend until smooth. Haskap skins melt right in, so there's no need to strain.
Toss the filling and spread it in a greased 8-inch pan. Mix the topping until crumbly and sprinkle it over the berries. Bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 35 to 40 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
Layer them in a glass and enjoy. Try a spoonful of your freezer jam on top too.
Haskaps (also called honeyberries) are a cold-hardy berry that thrives on the Canadian prairies. They look like an elongated blueberry and taste sweet-tart, somewhere between a sweet saskatoon berry and a juicy raspberry. Some say they're similar to a huckleberry. Great fresh, frozen, in jam or baking.
Haskaps are the first fruit of the Alberta summer. U-pick at Blas Berry Orchard usually opens in mid-July and lasts about 4 weeks, or until the berries are all picked. We're a popular spot, so come early in the season. Watch our Facebook page for opening day.
Blas Berry Orchard is at 51009B Range Road 273 in Parkland County, just outside Spruce Grove and right beside Sassy G's Adventure Farm. We have 9,000 chemical-free haskap bushes for U-pick.
Not for haskaps. No appointment is needed for haskap U-pick when it's in season. Just come during open hours. Sea buckthorn picking (late September to early October) is by appointment only, so please call (780) 803-8808.
Sorry, no pets are allowed in the orchard, even on a leash.
Kids are welcome! We have a few simple rules to protect our irrigation system and the bushes. We'll go over them when you arrive.
Yes. There are clean porta-potties on site and ample parking.
Go ahead and taste as you pick! We just ask that you don't fill your tummy in the rows.
Yes, in our bug and sunscreen spray zone only. To protect the bushes and berries, please don't spray anything in the orchard.
For your protection, the orchard closes and everyone must leave when there is severe weather in the area.
We're happy to tell you what's ripe before you head out, and to answer any questions during the off-season.
Blas Berry Orchard is a proud shareholder of Vitalaberry Farms. For bulk or commercial haskap sales, please contact Vitalaberry Farms.
