Ubiquitous Backcountry Blackberries
The very first thing I ever ate off my own land was a blackberry. I was trying to follow an old sugar bush trail when my shirt caught on something prickly. I glanced over to find a cane full of big, black, glossy berries. Into my mouth the lot went and they were so good I decided then and there to preserve the forgotten thicket. That first hint of possibility was enchanting. Look at what the earth is already producing, without any intervention! Like a delicious jewel. I would come to find that we’re surrounded by multitudes of native edibles,...
Pawpaw - The Great Canadian Fruit
If it wasn't for human migration, Canada would have precious few fruit trees. No apple, no peach, no pear. One native species we would have is the pawpaw. Long overshadowed by pretty much every other fruit, it’s high time for a comeback. The northern banana, or is it a mango? The pawpaw (Asimina triloba) kind of looks like a green mango. It’s got that same leathery skin and soft flesh that will give a little when you squeeze a ripe specimen, but it tastes like a banana. The flavour is excellent—like a banana mixed with jack fruit. Full disclosure: I’m not...
Have You Tasted a Haskap? Or Even Seen One in Real Life?
I was originally attracted to the plant because it is incredibly cold hardy. It’ll survive down to -46 C and even the spring blooms can sustain a temps down to -8 C. Perfect for cultivation in the Great White North! The flavour is fantastic. I’ve heard comparisons to black raspberry, wild blueberry, wine grape, elderberry, rhubarb, black currant, and even grapefruit from fans trying to nail down the taste. The fact is that different varieties do have different flavour profiles and you could very well pop one in your mouth and have a splash of citrus greet your tastebuds. They’re...