Once a bitter curiosity in Canadian research plots, the haskap berry has grown into a cold-climate gem cherished across North America. Native to northern regions of Asia, Europe, and North America, this deep blue berry—known for its bold flavor and sky-high antioxidant content—found its turning point in the 1990s when Canadian scientist Dr. Bob Bors pioneered new cultivars at the University of Saskatchewan. Around the same time, Dr. Maxine Thompson in Oregon developed American varieties adapted to the Pacific Northwest.
Today, the haskap thrives in chilly zones from Quebec to Alaska, and its popularity continues to rise thanks to its health benefits, unique taste, and hardiness. It’s no longer just a berry—it’s a story of agricultural innovation and international collaboration.