The Haskap Berry (Lonicera caerulea L.) is a unique berry that is new to the European nutraceuticals and functional foods market.
Sourced from a traditional Japanese medicinal fruit with remarkable antioxidant properties, vibrant colouring and appealing tangy berry flavour.
It has, however, a centuries long history of providing health benefit to the communities of North East Asia. Haskap Berries have grown wild in various regions in Hokkaido, Japan – as well as in Sakhalin and Siberia, Russia – where the indigenous Ainu peoples lived from the 13thC. The attractive blue honeysuckle berries were valued by the Ainu for their nutritional and therapeutic benefits. In the ancient Japanese dialect of the region, the name ‘Haskap’ is understood to mean “berry of long life and good vision”.
What the Ainu determined about the Haskap Berry through generations of traditional usage, has been borne out by research and analysis of this superfood in recent years. Testing has shown that the Haskap Berry has exceptional antioxidant properties. Well-established scientific studies have shown that antioxidants are effective in counteracting the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals are reactive, potentially damaging substances that are formed as a by-product of normal physiological processes and can cause oxidative damage. Nutraceuticals’ Haskap Berry Powder is very high in Vitamin C, which is well regarded for its antioxidant properties. The berry has been proven to significantly exceed kiwi fruit, redcurrants and strawberries in terms of Vitamin C content. Testing suggests up to three times more of this valuable vitamin is found in Haskap Berry than is detected in Orange (C. sinesus (L) Osbeck).
The high Vitamin C content is only the start of the antioxidant offerings from this functional fruit. The most remarkable benefit of Nutraceuticals Haskap Berry Powder is its phenomenal polyphenol capacity. Haskap Berries are brimming with Anthocyanins, which are a subclass of flavonoids and give the berries their distinctive purple, blue colour and also their significant biological activity. These dynamic Anthocyanins make up 60-80% of the total polyphenol content in NGE’s Haskap Berry Powder. There is a growing body of evidence from epidemiological studies that suggests that regular anthocyanin consumption is associated with antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and cardio-protective effects Powder.
The major bioactive Anthocyanin in the Haskap Berry Powder offered by Nutraceuticals is Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G). This key flavonoid is present in the product in quantities unrivalled by other Anthocyanin rich fruits. Testing has shown that Haskap Berry Powder from Nutraceuticals has up to 30 times more C3G present than blackcurrants. Whilst human studies are still in progress, testing on mice has given evidence that Cyanidin-3-glucoside has the potential to enhance exercise performance by activating lactate metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis through skeletal muscle PGC-1α upregulation.
The comparisons used in scientific studies and the appearance of the fruit may suggest that the Haskap berry is a member of the Vaccinium family – like Blueberries and Cranberries. However, this remarkable super berry is actually more closely related to a tomato.
Nutraceuticals Haskap Berry Powder has been able to affect incredible retention of the vital nutrients of the fresh berries through a unique drying process which maintains 94% of the Haskap Berry’s bioactive compounds. This technique also preserves the vibrant purple hue of the fruit. As a result, this allows this remarkable botanical powder to be utilized as highly appealing, powerful and 100% natural colourant. The method of processing has allowed the taste of our powdered product to remain akin to that of the raw material. It is best described as a tantalising blend of tangy and sweet. Though the berries of original plants historically used by the Ainu were recorded as being quite sharp in flavour, the palatableness of the fruit produced today is evidenced by the fact that the shrub is now also referred to as Honeyberry or Sweet Berry Honeysuckle.
In line with their own ethos, Nutraceuticals seek producers and manufacturers that prioritise principled and environmentally responsible endeavours. The farming and processing of our Haskap Berry Powder is focused on activities which are Ethical, Sustainable, Nutritious, Add Value to the Community and Promote Nature. The manufacturer’s desire was to develop a product that supported their own wellness goals through all stages of production. This also translated into farming practices that maintain a critical respect for the local environment. They use natural farming methods that are chemical free, bee friendly and bio diverse. Harvesting is executed gently to minimise environmental impact.
Nutraceuticals Haskap Berry Powder is composed of 100% Haskap Berries and as such is suitable for Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal and Kosher diets.
Start a conversation with us today to find out more information regarding our new product Haskap Berry Powder or for details of any of the Studies referred to in this article.
NIGEHER021851 Haskap Berry Fruit Powder Freeze Dried 1.5% Anthocyanins (Lonicera caerulea)
NIGEHER021861 Haskap Berry Juice Powder (Lonicera caerulea)