April 2004

Honeyberry – Lonicera kamchatka 

 

Origin: Siberia

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking out this morning at all the snow (yes, I know it's April), it seems like spring will never arrive. So I decided that a plant used to the cold might be in order. The Honeyberry is related to the honeysuckle. However, unlike the honeysuckle, this small tree produces edible blue berry-like fruit usually in early summer. Hardy to zones 3 to 9, the Honeyberry originates from Siberia.

Disease-resistant and fairly easy to grown, the Honeyberry does well in partial shade. To ensure good fruit production, a male and female plant should be grown in proximity to each other. The Honeyberry will start the spring with lovely white flowers before producing sweet edible berries (hence the name).

For a hot weather pick-me-up, try this nifty salad recipe:

Honeyberry Salad

3 cups honeydew melon balls
1 cup fresh honeyberries
2 ripe peaches
8 large frozen strawberries
    and/or
1 large frozen banana
Fresh fruit juice (your choice) as needed

• 1.In a bowl, gently combine the melon balls, honeyberries, and peaches. Take care not to smash the berries so that the colors of all the fruits will remain intact for a colorful salad.
• 2.Place frozen strawberries into your blender or food processor and add a little fresh fruit juice. Blend into a smooth icy cream or sherbet. You can repeat this process for a second sherbet with the frozen banana.
• 3.Spoon this mixture over the fresh fruit salad and enjoy a truly exotic fruit meal. Don't forget to share a taste or two with your exotic pals!