The honeyberry, which tastes like a cross between a raspberry and a blueberry and resembles a mini blue banana, is being billed as a 'superberry' and set to become the next big thing for Scotland's fruit industry.
Fruit producers say the nutritious honeyberry is easy to grow and perfectly suited to the Scottish climate. The first orchard of the soft fruit has already been planted north of the Border, at a farm in Angus.
But it is hoped production of the crop will increase to 5,000 acres across the country in the next decade.
Experts say the fruit has the potential to bring in important new income streams for farmers, with possible rewards of up to £25,000 an acre.
The seedless berries are packed with more health-giving antioxidants that other superfruits, including blueberries and brambles. They can be eaten fresh or frozen and used in smoothies, yoghurts, jams and even to make alcohol.
Farmer Stewart Arbuckle first planted the crop, also known as blue honeysuckle or haskap, in 2014 on a 12-acre plot near Dundee. The plants take two to three years to fully mature, but he expects a small first harvest this summer.
The pickings will be used in various trials, including selling the raw organic fruit locally and to high-end restaurants.
Rex Brennan, of the James Hutton Institute, has been assisting the trial. He said: “Honeyberries originate from northern Asia, notably Siberia, and the blue-coloured fruit is of increasing interest due to its very desirable qualities.”
Source: scotsman.com
