Saskatoon Berry
Hul’q’umi’num: tushnets
SENĆOŦEN: S,XÁSEM IȽĆ
Latin: Amelanchier alnifolia
Description: The Saskatoon Berry shrub can grow 5 to 6 metres tall, featuring smooth, brownish-grey bark. Its oval-shaped, bluish-green leaves are accompanied by white clusters of flowers that bloom in April at the ends of the branches. Near the end of spring, round, bluish-purple berries appear.
Harvest and Sustainability: This shrub is commonly found on rocky shorelines, bluffs, and slopes, as well as in meadows, thickets, and open forests. The berries are ready to harvest from late spring to early summer. Harvesting them too late can make the berries more mealy.
When harvesting, please be mindful to spread out your pickings to leave enough for local wildlife.
Uses: The berries are juicy, sweet, and excellent to eat fresh. They are commonly used for jams and pies, and their high pectin and sugar content makes them ideal for fermenting into wine. They are also a great option for drying into raisins or fruit leathers.
Additionally, the fresh leaves can be dried to brew a flavourful, leafy-berry tea.
