Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica Blue Velvet - May Berry

Lonicera kamtschatica 'Blue Velvet', also known as Honeyberry, is a type of honeysuckle with edible fruits. It abundantly produces elongated blue berries with greenish-red juicy, sweet and tangy pulp. These fruits are highly appreciated when eaten fresh, dried, or transformed into juice, jellies or jams. This hardy plant can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F). Additionally, it is highly melliferous, attracting bees and promoting pollination. Planting two bushes is recommended to optimize fruit production. The Blue Velvet Honeyberry thrives both in pots and in the garden, and pairs well with other varieties of small fruits to create delicious and decorative hedges.

Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica, commonly known as Honeyberry, is a shrub species in the Caprifoliaceae family, like all honeysuckles. It originates from Eastern Europe, particularly from Russia and Siberian Asia, from Kamchatka to Magadan and Sakhalin Island. Edible honeysuckle has been known and consumed by indigenous populations for a long time. It thrives in cold regions, as it can withstand -40°C (-40°F), but only -7°C (19.4°F) for its flowers. It is an interesting shrub for high-altitude gardens.

The 'Blue Velvet' variety is a cultivar developed by North American breeders (Canada and the United States) in the early 90s, who selected it for its robustness and high yield of large fruits. It forms a bushy, well-branched shrub, reaching a height of 1.50 m (5ft) with a spread of 1 m (3ft). The deciduous foliage consists of opposite, ovate, dark green leaves with a slightly bluish-grey tint, measuring 3 to 8 cm (1 to 3in) in length. Flowering occurs from March, with tubular flowers blooming in pairs, greenish-yellow, quite discreet, intensely visited by bees. In May-June, fruiting mainly occurs on one- and two-year-old branches. The bush is then covered with elongated, pruinose blue berries, measuring 1 to 3 cm (0.5 to 1in) in length and 0.4 to 0.7 cm (0.2in) in diameter, weighing 1 to 2 grams, with a honey-like scent. They contain tiny seeds that are not noticeable when eaten. The drupe is filled with greenish-red, juicy, sweet and tangy pulp, similar to that of blueberries in both taste and appearance. Harvesting takes place as the fruits ripen and their flesh turns red. A Haskap bush produces approximately 4 to 5 kg of fruit per plant depending on the age and growing conditions of the plant. To improve fruit production, it is preferable to plant at least two bushes. Being melliferous, the flowers attract bees for effective pollination. The fruits are rich in vitamins B and C, fibre, minerals, and antioxidants.

In the kitchen: Once harvested, the May berries can be stored for only 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, preferably in the vegetable compartment. The fruits of the Honeyberry can be enjoyed fresh, and for added indulgence, they can be sprinkled with a little granulated sugar. Excellent for jellies and jams, they can also be used to make fruit salads, muffins or smoothies, and pies... as well as very fruity, slightly acidic juices. When dried, the berries retain all their nutritional value. To extend the enjoyment, the fruits can be easily frozen.

The Honeyberry honeysuckle is ideal for turning your garden into a delicious or rustic hedge. It thrives in sunny locations, but protected from excessive sun, in fertile soil with low limestone content. For tasty harvests and tastings, it can be combined with raspberries, currants, thornless blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, or even Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) or other varieties of small fruits. It can even be planted in pots on a patio to enjoy this beautiful shrub up close. For a colourful decoration, ornamental shrubs such as lilacs, mock oranges, abelias, or Kolkwitzia will do the trick, taking care, however, that their root system does not encroach on the living space of our blue honeysuckle. From spring onwards, fully savour the scent of the Honeyberry honeysuckle!