Berries are not new to mankind and have been on the planet since antiquity. The early human’s primary hunger satiating and nutrition-providing fruit, vernacularly, any type of round or oval fruit that is juicy, soft-fleshed, and replete with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is broadly termed as a berry. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, gooseberries, raspberries, and many more, we all have gorged on mouth-watering berries at some point in our lives. But then, several species may have never shown up at your favorite grocery store and fruit markets easily. Not only these colorful round-shaped juicy balls can very well boost your health but can also be a part of your desserts and ice creams. From an array of this super succulent fruit type, have you heard of a dense purple berry that resembles a blueberry but tastes like blackberry and sometimes like a sour grape? Honeyberry, a mysteriously tasting berry is a fragile-skinned fruit that you must try. Perfect to be eaten as fresh fruit straight from the bush, it can also be used in ice creams, desserts, jams, juice, and syrups.
Also Read: Blueberry: A Super Succulent Fruit With Bounteous Health Incentives-Recipe
What Are Honeyberries?
Honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea) is a member of the honeysuckle family and a native to colder regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Zhimolost to Russians, Haskap to Japanese, and honeyberry to the US, this tiny berry has a remarkable cold tolerance and can survive a whopping minus 55 degrees. A cousin to blueberry and huckleberry, honeyberry bush grows about four to six feet tall. The plant produces small yellowish-white, funnel-shaped flowers. Post flowering, in a few days the elongated green berry turns into an oblong purple fruit. Siberians have recognized the superb medicinal benefits of this fruit that promises to bolster health and provide many wellness incentives (some even higher than blueberries) owing to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Also Read: Goji Berries: Bounteous Health Benefits Of This Bright Red Tiny Fruit
Honeyberry Health Benefits
Tangy, sweet, or sour, this super-rich nutrition-laden rare berry has the following health benefits to offer:
- Antioxidants present in the berry are highly beneficial in fighting free radicals. This can help to protect the body against many types of cancers besides giving a boost to your immune system
- Honeyberries have the highest levels of anthocyanins. This compound is extremely helpful in shielding the body against colon cancer cells
- Anthocyanin has also proven to be beneficial for eyesight. These natural pigments in blue-tinted fruits have been linked to augmenting eye health and preventing macular degeneration, vision loss, and cataract
- Antihypertensive properties in honeyberries boast many cardiovascular benefits preventing the body from heart attacks and balancing abnormal blood pressure levels
- The berries contain significant sources of potassium, calcium, and phosphorous that protect the bones and reduce the chances of rheumatoid arthritis
- Phenolics are agents that help to protect the body's specific tissues against mild to chronic oxidative stress
- A concoction of root bark is given to people to keep insulin levels in check and alleviate diabetes symptoms
- The leaves of this plant can augment liver health and it is given to jaundice patients
- The significant content of Vitamin C helps to combat early skin aging, prevent sun damage, and heal the wounds
Also Read: Best Berries: 5 Must-Have Tiny, Tangy Fruits For Enhanced Health - Infographic
Wondering what honeyberry tastes like? This melt-in-the-mouth fruit is sweetest when fully ripe. Though a short shelf life, it is amazing when blended into smoothies or whisked and frozen into ice cream. Therefore, we bring you easy recipe ideas for both.
Honeyberry Mixed Smoothie
Ingredients
1 cup fresh or frozen honeyberries
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup soy or dairy milk
4 tbsp coconut milk
1 tsp honey
1 banana
A few drops of vanilla extract
A handful of chia seeds
Method
Add all ingredients to a blender
Blend until smooth
Pour into a glass jar
Refrigerate for 10 minutes
Honeyberry smoothie is ready to be served chilled
Nutrition
This super easy-to-make smoothie has a variety of berries that offer many benefits. The antioxidants can fight free radicals and delay aging. Vitamin C helps to keep the skin glowing and bolsters the immune system.
Honeyberry Ice Cream
2 cups fresh or frozen honeyberries
1 cup granulated sugar
A pinch of salt
2 cups whipped cream
1 cup whole milk
Method
Blend the berries in a food processor.
Add the sugar and blend them with the whipped cream for a few minutes
Remove into a glass tray
Pour the mixture into conical molds
Let it freeze for about 8 to 10 hours
Allow the ice cream to completely set itself before serving
Honeyberry ice cream is ready to be relished
Nutrition
Honeyberry is the key ingredient that has all the essential vitamins to keep the body healthy. Whole milk is also present in the ice cream which can be great for upkeeping bone health.
Additional Benefits Of Honeyberry Juice
Improves Immunity
Honeyberry juice is used as a health-improving drink for a weakened immune system. The extracts are imbued with anti-inflammatory properties that can help bolster the immune system and fight mild to severe cold and infections in the body.
Improves Digestive Health
Honeyberries are used to treat gastritis and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, they are particularly valuable in diseases of the liver, kidneys, and gall bladder.
Cures High-Grade Fever
As antipyretic properties, honeyberry extracts are used for frequent nosebleeds due to the rise in body temperature and reduce the sudden rise in body temperature. Moreover, the berries can help to strengthen the cell walls of the body.
References:
Anti-inflammatory effects of leaf and branch extracts of honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea)
Mi-Yun An,1 Hyun Ji Eo,2 Ho Jun Son,2 Na Gyeong Geum,1 Gwang Hun Park,2 and Jin Boo Jeong
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7646977/
https://www.spandidos publications.com/10.3892/mmr.2020.11638/abstract
