About the Berry
What is a Saskatoon Berry?
Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia) is a rosaceous pome and a wild fruit of North American prairies.
Historically, the fruit has been widely used by the native Indians in making pemmican. The Saskatoon Berry is identified by several other names including saskatoons, serviceberry, maycherry, juneberry, shadbush, shadblossom, pigeonberry, pembina plum, sugar pear, Indian peer, lance wood, bill berry, Canadian medlar and rocky mountain blueberry. Saskatoons are cold-hardy plants that withstand a temperature as low as -60°C and have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years.
In Canada, orchard cultivation of saskatoons began as far back as 1918. Many cultivars of Saskatoon Berries are commercially grown and that includes Bluff, Buffalo, Elizabeth, Forestburg, Honeywood, JB 30, Martin, Nelson, Northline, PAR 90, Parkhill, Pearson II, Pembina, Smoky, Success and Thiessen. An orchard with mature trees of 12-15 years old yields 6,000-8,600 kg/ha (St-Pierre, 2005).






Explore Popular Uses of the Saskatoon Berry
“A functional food is similar in appearance to, or may be a conventional food, is consumed as part of a usual diet, and is demonstrated to have physiological benefits and/or may reduce the risk of chronic disease beyond basic nutritional functions”
Health Canada
A growing number of studies have
demonstrated the health benefits of
polyphenols including anticancer,
antitumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic effects
and oxygen-radical scavenging to minimize
lipoprotein oxidation.
(Le Marchand et al., 2000; Kong et al., 2008).
This information boom on the positive health effects of blue-purple fruits has helped Saskatoon Berries enter into the ever-expanding functional food market. As Health Canada defines, “a functional food is similar in appearance to, or may be a conventional food, is consumed as part of a usual diet, and is demonstrated to have physiological benefits and/or may reduce the risk of chronic disease beyond basic nutritional functions”. Thus, fruits that are significant sources of anthocyanins and polyphenols, such as Saskatoon Berries, now qualify as functional foods.
Polyphenols are a heterogeneous group of plant metabolites that includes thousands of natural chemicals. These chemical compounds show a huge diversity in molecular weights, chain lengths and isomeric structures. Within a plant species, considerable polyphenol diversity is observed due to the differences in genetics and environment. As a result, only a limited number of less complex plant polyphenols have been analyzed and reported (Cheynier, 2005). Even though saskatoons have been introduced as a commercial fruit decades ago, not much information is available on polyphenol diversity of Saskatoon Berries, as influenced by cultivar and locality (i.e., soil fertility, temperature, irrigation and pest and diseases) differences. This report was put together by the Saskatoon Berry Council of Canada to share the recent research on health attributes of saskatoons, and where possible provide comparative information from other berry fruits considered in the function food market.
The Saskatoon Berry bringing
you essential minerals & dietary fibre
Saskatoons Berries have a higher potential to neutralize free radicals than Blueberries.
Certain types of dietary fiber have pre-biotic
effect.
The unique flavour of a fruit is a complex phenomenon.
Some minerals
serve as co-factors
of enzymes.
Saskatoons Berries are high in Polyphenols,
which are antioxidants.
Some Proanthocyanidins may provide
antibacterial effect.
Saskatoon Berries are particularily high in vitamin E.
Frequently Asking Questions
Below are common questions we receive
regarding saskatoon berries
What are Saskatoon berries?
Saskatoon berries are a wild fruit native to North America, known for their sweet flavor and nutritional benefits. They belong to the Rosaceae family and are often enjoyed fresh, dried, or processed into jams and desserts.
What are the health benefits of Saskatoon berries?
Saskatoon berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They are known to support heart health, boost immune function, aid digestion, and may help reduce high blood pressure due to their potassium content.
How can I incorporate Saskatoon berries into my diet?
You can enjoy Saskatoon berries fresh, add them to smoothies, use them in baking, or mix them into yogurt and oatmeal. They can also be used to make jams, jellies, and sauces.
Are Saskatoon berries safe for everyone to eat?
Yes, Saskatoon berries are generally safe for most people. However, if you have specific allergies or dietary restrictions, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding new foods to your diet.
Partner with Us for Premium Saskatoon Berries!
Expand your product offering with our high-quality Saskatoon berries and value-added products. Let’s grow together!