RARA AVIS Frequently Asked Questions

Haskap berry, also known as Honeyberries, belong to the Honeysuckle family. They were first introduced to Canada in the mid-1960s and originate from the Japanese island of Hokkaido. These small oval berries, about 2.5cm long, have dark blue skin and deep crimson flesh, with tiny seeds. The taste is often described as a combination of blueberry, raspberry, and elderberry.

Haskap are exceptionally healthy. They are rich in anthocyanins, vitamin C, phenolic compounds, and
other antioxidants. Traditionally, they’ve been used in Japan to reduce blood pressure and aid digestion. Haskap also contain traces of Selenium, known for its potential to restore youth. They have high levels of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other flavonoids that can help fight various diseases. They contain more vitamin C than an orange and nearly as much potassium as a banana. These nutritional powerhouses are known for their health benefits, making them a smart addition to your diet.

Haskap surpass other berries in terms of antioxidants and phenols. Recent research has shown that they have five times the amount of phenols compared to blueberries, and even more than red wine grapes. This high phenolic content is attributed to both the skin and the deeply coloured flesh and juice of haskap.

Antioxidants in Haskap play a crucial role in countering the damaging effects of oxidation in human or animal tissues. These antioxidants can help prevent diseases like cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. Haskap are loaded with various antioxidants, including Rutin, Ferulic acid, Epicatechin, Genistic acid, Protocatechuic acid, and others that contribute to their health benefits.

Haskap are not only healthy but also excel in winemaking. Haskap juice, with its high sugar content (brix), quickly develops flavour complexities similar to well-made red grape wines during fermentation and aging.

Haskap's high sugar content and concentration make it incredibly versatile for winemaking. The style of wine it can produce depends on the dilution ratio of the juice used in the process. From ciders blended with apple to light off-dry wines, hearty oak aged table wines, fortified dessert wines, liqueurs, and sparkling wines, haskap can be transformed into various wine styles.

Echo Haskap Farm is located near Echo Lake Provincial Park in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. It’s in the stunning Creighton Valley and is known for being BC’s largest certified organic haskap farm, with 40 acres of these delicious berries.

Echo Haskap Farm is on a mission to introduce the world to the wonders of haskap. The team aims to build a strong haskap brand and make their range of organic haskap products available in local markets and international destinations, such as Canada, the US, Europe, and Japan.

Echo Haskap Farm nurtures its berries with clean soil, pristine water, and crystal clear air. The team is committed to preserving the beauty of the farm’s surroundings, ensuring that their farming practices align with nature’s well-being.

Echo Haskap Farm uses organic farming practices that blend tradition with innovation. The team maintains its fields with regular watering, weeding, and pruning, ensuring every berry gets ample sunlight and space to grow. Importantly, the team avoids the use of synthetic pesticides, and uses FVOPA-approved solutions to protect the health of the fields.

Haskap wine offers a unique and wonderful flavour profile, combining the delightful tastes of blueberry, raspberry, and elderberry. This winning combination explodes with an abundance of flavour in Canada’s own super fruit.

Haskap wines are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. They can rival well-made red grape wines in complexity and character. Haskap’s high sugar content and versatility in winemaking make it an exciting choice for wine lovers. Furthermore, by purchasing haskap wine, people support local farmers and contribute to the development of a new agricultural sector in BC and Canada – haskap farming. This not only enhances the local economy but also promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.

Haskap wine is an exciting development for wine lovers because it is rare and exceptional, combines health benefits with unique and delicious flavours.

Haskap wine, with its delightful fusion of blueberry, raspberry, and elderberry flavours, offers a taste that’s worth exploring. It’s a remarkable combination of flavours, and trying haskap wine is an opportunity to embark on a journey of taste and discovery, elevating your wine experience.